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Kawhi Leonard's alleged requests for illegal perks from Lakers surface

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 4:27 AM

Last updated Aug 10, 2026

Kawhi Leonard's alleged requests for illegal perks from Lakers surface

Summary

An NBA investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers emerged due to allegations of circumventing salary cap rules during his 2019 free agency. Leonard reportedly sought four banned perks from the Lakers—including part ownership, a private plane, a house, and guaranteed endorsement money. Unlike the Clippers, the Lakers declined to engage in the negotiations over these terms. As a result of the ongoing investigation, a trade back to the Raptors has been agreed but remains unfinalized pending the league's findings.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Leonard chose Clippers over Lakers and Raptors in 2019 free agency.
•The Lakers refused Leonard's requests for illegal perks during negotiations.
•The Clippers' sponsorship deals are under scrutiny from the NBA.
•A trade to return Leonard to the Raptors awaits investigation results.
•Leonard averaged 27.9 points last season, marking a strong performance.

Latest Updates

4:27 AMYahoo Sports — The four ‘illegal’ perks Kawhi Leonard allegedly wanted on Lakers in 2019 before joining Clippers

What they're saying

"
The NBA’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers could have been avoided if they had played by the rules, like the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to. Leonard’s 2019 free agency saw him primarily pick between returning to the Raptors or joining the Clippers or Lakers in LA.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers New York Knicks Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball