Potential Lakers 2027 free agency target Kawhi Leonard
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Clippers' Kawhi Leonard during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2025
Widespread attention continues to surround the Los Angeles Lakers and their long-term outlook, particularly as LeBron James’ future remains uncertain ahead of free agency.
If James ultimately departs, Los Angeles is projected to have roughly $51 million in cap space this summer, even after accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
That level of financial flexibility would give the Lakers the ability to aggressively reshape their roster and pursue multiple high-impact additions.
While much of the focus has been on immediate upgrades, some analysts are already looking further ahead, and one familiar superstar name has resurfaced in long-term discussions.
Lakers Linked to Kawhi Leonard as Future Free Agency Possibility
The Lakers’ pursuit of Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2019 was one of the most closely followed storylines of that offseason.
Ultimately, Leonard chose to join the Los Angeles Clippers, forming a star partnership with Paul George.
Nearly a decade later, speculation about a potential connection between Leonard and the Lakers has not completely faded.
ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill recently mentioned the Lakers as a possible landing spot when Leonard next reaches free agency in 2027.
“Or does Kawhi Leonard enter the marketplace as a free agent, that can play with the Lakers, or play somewhere else as a very marketable third piece or second piece,” Goodwill said on the ‘Hoop Collective’ podcast. “A championship-style piece, some 10 years after the last time he was a last piece to a championship. That is fascinating to me.”
Goodwill’s comments were part of a broader discussion alongside ESPN colleagues Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks, reflecting on Leonard’s long-term outlook rather than reporting an imminent move.
Leonard is currently in the second year of a three-year, $149.5 million contract. He is earning $50 million this season and is set to earn $50.3 million in 2026-27, after which he could become an unrestricted free agent if no extension is reached.
Despite entering his mid-30s, Leonard continues to perform at an elite level. Through 41 games this season, he is averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range.
Lakers Could Revisit Superstar Pursuit Depending on Future Flexibility
Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers has been marked by both individual success and collective frustration. Despite assembling one of the league’s most talented rosters, the franchise has endured repeated postseason disappointments, including three consecutive first-round exits.
With the Clippers currently battling for play-in positioning and questions emerging about their long-term direction, speculation around Leonard’s future has begun to grow.
Clipperholics’ Iliyan Lakhani believes the Lakers could once again emerge as a potential destination should Leonard reach free agency.
“This would be terrible news for the Clippers, as Leonard thriving in rival colors would be hurt to see,” Lakhani wrote. “All in all, the timeline works out for the Lakers. They will need Lebron James‘ successor in uniform, and who better to pair with Luka Doncic than the two-time champion who has been dominating the NBA for quite some time.”
“When the opportunity arises again in the 2027 offseason, the Lakers will inevitably pursue the veteran superstar. They will be able to easily arrange for the money to pay him.”
Any potential pursuit would depend heavily on how the Lakers navigate their upcoming offseason and manage their long-term financial flexibility.
The organization has already been linked to several short-term targets and even speculative blockbuster scenarios involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
At the same time, their broader strategy appears centered on building a sustainable contender around Luka Doncic and, potentially, Reaves.
If James remains with the Lakers through the 2026-27 season for a retirement tour, his contract timeline could naturally align with Leonard’s potential free agency, preserving flexibility for a move of that magnitude.
For now, such scenarios remain speculative. But with their financial outlook and track record of pursuing elite talent, the Lakers are expected to remain firmly in the conversation whenever a superstar becomes available.