Lakers potentially snag a bargain to form a new big three? US media imagines a dramatic ending with Kawhi teaming up with LeBron again for a championship run

On September 26th Beijing time, ClutchPoints analyzed the potential conclusion of the Clippers and Leonard's shadow contract probe: the Lakers could possibly capitalize and create a new big three. Here is ClutchPoints’ breakdown—

According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, The Athletic expert Hollinger previously listed potential penalties if the league finds the Clippers guilty of violations:

A maximum fine of $7.5 million imposed on the Clippers;

A maximum fine of $350,000 levied against Leonard;

Revocation of the Clippers’ draft picks;

Suspension of Ballmer or other Clippers executives for up to one year, with fines up to $1 million each;

Cancellation of Leonard’s existing contract and prohibition from re-signing with the Clippers;

Requirement for Leonard to return income earned from Aspiration company-related sources.

If the investigation extends into the 2025-26 season and the league ultimately voids Leonard’s contract, he would become an unrestricted free agent mid-season—an extremely rare situation in NBA history for a six-time All-Star averaging over 20 points per game.

If Leonard is willing to take a pay cut to stay in the Los Angeles area, there is a team right at his doorstep: the Los Angeles Lakers.

Remember, the Lakers showed strong interest in Leonard as early as 2019—but according to previous reports, Leonard’s uncle Dennis Robertson made a series of demanding requests to the Lakers, including partial team ownership, unlimited private jet use, free housing, and guaranteed off-court endorsement income, which ultimately prevented a deal from materializing.

However, now if Leonard unexpectedly becomes a free agent and needs a new team, the Lakers have a real chance to assemble a superstar big three—allowing Leonard to stay in Los Angeles and providing LeBron with a top-tier teammate to help pursue his fifth career championship ring.

Do you think such a dramatic scenario could actually happen? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.