Lakers' trade offer for Kawhi Leonard blocked by Spurs in 2018
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 11:00 PM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade for Kawhi Leonard in 2018, but the deal was blocked by then-Spurs head coach Greg Popovich. Popovich reportedly refused to trade Leonard to a rival team, opting instead to send him to the Toronto Raptors. Leonard later helped the Raptors secure their first championship title that season before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers have since added LeBron James and are now pursuing Luka Doncic as their new leader.
- •Lakers sought Kawhi Leonard in 2018 trade talks.
- •Spurs coach Greg Popovich blocked the proposed trade.
- •Popovich refused to help a rival in Los Angeles.
- •Leonard led Raptors to their first championship title.
- •Lakers have since focused on Luka Doncic as a new star.
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers' trade attempt for two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard reportedly blocked
"The Los Angeles Lakers once had their sights set on a two-time NBA champion forward.
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