Stephen A Smith: Reliable sources saying Kawhi Leonard picking Lakers

Stephen A Smith was speaking with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports during his radio show Wednesday and ended his interview abruptly to announce “a couple of reliable sources” had just told him Kawhi Leonard is going to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Here’s a video clip of the ESPN host making the announcement:

ESPN @stephenasmith Show just unexpectedly ends his interview with @ChrisBHaynes saying “I’m getting word right now from a couple reliable sources: Kawhi going to the Lakers. I don’t know how true it is to be quite honest with you, but they’re telling me: Lakers, Lakers, Lakers.” pic.twitter.com/QJxqhmp2gQ

— LATwice (@EverglowInLA) July 3, 2019

Interestingly, this occurred right around the same time that Leonard had arrived in Toronto — to some ridiculous fanfare, we might add — for a meeting with the Raptors brass.

Leonard has kept his intentions close to the vest, and reports have come out that he has told teams to keep quiet about any meetings. Despite that the Lakers were said to believe that they were in the lead for his services as of Tuesday.

Other reporters have indicated Leonard is focused on the Lakers as well.

"From what I was told [the Clippers pitch] was a good pitch but it didn't change Kawhi's focus from being on the Lakers. The Lakers meetings were individual meetings. He was meeting with Jeanie Buss, Magic, LeBron 1-on-1… Kawhi's not playing around." — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/ZH44I8h1tz

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 3, 2019

If Leonard does, in fact, choose the Lakers, then they would instantly be among the top teams in either conference with a big three to rival any in the Association. If Leonard ends up signing elsewhere, then the Lakers will once again have to head back to the drawing board after failing to meet the expectations of their fans.