A new report stirred the pot in Lakerland, with a team source throwing shade at the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard situation:
“We wanted him in 2019, but we count our blessings all the time he’s not here. He’s been such a headache for the Clippers. I actually feel bad for them sometimes.”
That quote reignites one of the NBA’s greatest “what ifs”: what if Kawhi had joined LeBron James and Anthony Davis in 2019 instead of the Clippers?
The 2019 Reality
In the summer of 2019, Kawhi was fresh off a Finals MVP run with the Raptors. The Lakers had just landed Anthony Davis, and the NBA world braced for a potential superteam. Instead, Kawhi spurned the Lakers to team up with Paul George across the hall at Staples (now Crypto.com) Center.
LeBron and AD went on to win the 2020 championship without him. Kawhi and the Clippers? They’ve had flashes of brilliance, but injuries and inconsistency have defined the era.
Could They Have Won It All in 2019?
On paper: absolutely. A core of LeBron, AD, and Kawhi would’ve been one of the most dominant defensive and offensive trios in NBA history. All three were top-7 players at the time, and all three thrived in big moments.
- LeBron: Still in his prime, running point, scoring, and defending.
- AD: Rim protection + versatile scoring.
- Kawhi: Two-way wing, clutch shot-maker, Finals-tested.
Depth would’ve been sacrificed, but when you have three megastars at that level, you don’t need much. It’s hard to imagine anyone stopping them—not the Warriors (without KD), not the Bucks, not even the Heat a year later.
The Fit Question
Here’s where it gets tricky: Kawhi and LeBron both prefer the ball in their hands, and both operate best in the mid-range/drive game. Could it have worked? Probably. LeBron’s unselfishness makes him the ultimate connector, and Kawhi’s ability to defend the opposing team’s best wing would’ve lightened LeBron’s defensive load.
It wouldn’t have been seamless, but talent at that level usually figures it out. Think Miami’s Big Three in 2010—the fit wasn’t perfect, but the rings came anyway.
The Clippers’ Headache
The Lakers source isn’t wrong: Kawhi’s load management, injuries, and quiet leadership style have been frustrating for the Clippers. While the Lakers already raised Banner 17, the Clippers are still chasing their first Finals appearance.
For Laker fans, this “blessing in disguise” has become a fun talking point. The team got its title anyway, while dodging the drama.
Final Thought
LeBron and AD have already etched their names into Lakers history. But the thought of Kawhi in purple and gold? That’s a “what if” that might haunt Clippers fans more than Lakers fans. Because in all likelihood… the Lakers would’ve added at least one more ring.
