NBA SMASHES Lakers & Kawhi Leonard’s New Fraud Scheme Attempt!
How did the Los Angeles Lakers go from heartbreak to the brink of the biggest heist in NBA history? The answer is a perfect storm of scandal, karma, and championship ambition—centered around Kawhi Leonard.
.
.
.
The Setup: A Trade, A Scandal, and a $100 Million Gamble
The NBA world is stunned. Reports say the Lakers are preparing to drop $100 million on Kawhi Leonard—just as his Clippers contract risks being voided over a $28 million fraud scandal. Six years after losing out on Leonard, the Lakers could finally steal their superstar. But will this blockbuster move spark an all-out NBA war?
The 2019 Irony
Back in 2019, Kawhi’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, made outrageous demands: partial team ownership, private jets, guaranteed endorsements—illegal under NBA rules. Lakers owner Jeannie Buss said “You’re crazy,” refusing to bend the rules. The Clippers, however, found creative ways to accommodate Leonard’s camp. Now, the irony is delicious—the Lakers, who played by the book, might benefit from the Clippers’ alleged rule-breaking.
The Scandal Explodes
At the heart of it all: a $28 million “endorsement” deal with a company called Aspiration. Kawhi did nothing—no posts, no events, not even a tweet. The company’s largest-ever payment went to Leonard for literally zero work. Even crazier, Clippers owner Steve Balmer had invested $50 million into Aspiration just weeks before Leonard’s deal was signed.
Aspiration wasn’t some small-time operation. Its roster of celebrity endorsers included Robert Downey Jr., Drake, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Yet Kawhi, who barely speaks publicly, got paid more than all of them combined. Then, the company went bankrupt, and its co-founder pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Federal prosecutors now call it a “fraudulent enterprise.”
The NBA Investigation
The NBA has launched a full-scale investigation, hiring one of the country’s top law firms—the same team that handled the Donald Sterling scandal. The penalties could be severe: multi-million dollar fines, lost draft picks, and the voiding of Leonard’s contract. If that happens, Leonard could hit free agency in the most dramatic fashion possible.
The Lakers’ Master Plan
Sources say the Lakers have been quietly preparing for this moment, monitoring the situation for months. If Leonard’s contract is voided, he can’t re-sign with the Clippers, and the Lakers wouldn’t need to give up any assets—just clear cap space and make an offer. Pairing Leonard’s elite defense and scoring with LeBron James and Anthony Davis could instantly make the Lakers title favorites.
The Internal Debate
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Leonard’s association with scandal, his injury history, and his camp’s history of drama make some in the Lakers organization nervous. Is the reward worth the risk? If Leonard’s market value drops because of the scandal, the Lakers could sign him for far less than his usual price—a former Finals MVP at a discount.
The Competitive Arms Race
If the Lakers land Leonard, it’s not just about winning. It’s psychological warfare—striking a devastating blow to the Clippers, their cross-town rivals. Other contenders like Denver, Phoenix, and Golden State would scramble to keep pace, triggering a Western Conference arms race.
The Karma Payoff
Here’s the poetic justice: The Lakers lost Leonard in 2019 because they refused to break the rules. Now, their integrity could pay off in the most dramatic way. While the Clippers face historic penalties, the Lakers stand ready to benefit from their rivals’ mistakes.
The Ripple Effect
The investigation could reshape the league, exposing other teams and forcing a crackdown on “creative” salary cap moves. The Lakers’ clean reputation suddenly looks prescient. As other franchises scramble, the Lakers patiently wait for their chance.
The Endgame
If Leonard becomes available, the Lakers are the obvious destination. He wants to stay in L.A., and the Lakers can offer him a fresh start with a championship-caliber team. The basketball fit is perfect. The timing is perfect. The story is perfect.
Sometimes, doing the right thing pays off. If the Lakers land Kawhi Leonard as a result of keeping their integrity while their rivals compromised theirs, it would be the most satisfying ending to any NBA scandal in recent memory. The stage is set. The investigation continues. The Lakers wait, ready to make history.
