The Los Angeles Lakers have appeared to gain ground in their pursuit of Kawhi Leonard now that they can realistically sign him to a max or near-max contract in free agency.

"As of last night, into the wee hours of this morning, into this morning, I got word the Los Angeles Lakers are to be taken seriously," said Stephen A. Smith. "They will be a team that’s strongly considered for Kawhi Leonard to arrive to.

"Kawhi Leonard was coached by Steve Fisher. Steve Fisher’s got a connection to Rob Pelinka. Rob Pelinka has been working that angle.

"LeBron and Kawhi have a very good relationship. They’ve been texting throughout the year. Obviously, Kawhi has worked out from time to time with Kobe. He grew up a Laker fan."

Smith also suggested that Leonard has a relationship with Magic Johnson.

"This notion that the Lakers should be summarily dismissed is wrong. Kawhi Leonard is strongly considering the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, New Balance would prefer that he be in L.A. rather than Toronto.”