Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Will 'Go in Hard' for Kawhi Leonard Deal with Spurs

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have their sights set on acquiring Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs this offseason. 

Per Sean Deveney of Sporting News, one NBA executive said the Lakers will "go in hard" for Leonard. 

The relationship between Leonard and the Spurs has been the source of much speculation throughout this season. 

In January, ESPN.com's Adrian Wojnarowski and Michael C. Wright reported Leonard's various treatments, rehab and timetable for his injured quad had a "chilling impact" on the Spurs organization, particularly its coaches. 

ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose said during a January episode of First Take that Leonard "wants out of San Antonio."

Deveney did note the Spurs could attempt to work out any issues they might have with Leonard and make him a supermax contract offer worth $200 million in July. He added that the Lakers may not want to part with young players like Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram in a trade for Leonard if they believe they could sign him as a free agent next summer. 

Leonard has one more guaranteed year left on his contract with a player option worth $21.3 million for the 2019-20 season, per Spotrac. 

In just nine games this season, Leonard averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.