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Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard: Who would you rather (sign)?

By Martin Burnyeat

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to block Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Center on October 28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to block Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Center on October 28, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 22, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 22, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Verdict: Kawhi Leonard

Although Durant has improved defensively and his all-time offensive talent will no doubt improve the 23rd ranked offence last season, Kawhi is much more of the two-way player that the Lakers need in order to compete in both the short-term and long-term.

Not only does he have a few more prime years to go compared to Durant, his ability to guard multiple positions effectively and produce efficient numbers on the ball, makes him much more valuable for LeBron’s Lakers, as well as for the franchise moving forward.

Despite everything the Lakers may look for in a partner-in-crime for LeBron, it all comes down to what both Kevin and Kawhi want going into free agency. Kevin currently is a member of an all-time team who are perennial title favorites for the foreseeable future, and leaving such an inclusive and successful environment would be crazy in most instances. However, the challenge in bringing LA back to championship contention may be enough.

Kawhi may choose to stay in Toronto and receive the five-year super max contract, depending on how far they go in the playoffs and how well they treat him as the franchise player. Nevertheless, he could still have the desire to go home to LA as previously reported, and be a part of the Laker’s present and future.

Related Story. NBA Trade Rumors: Ranking potential trade packages for Jimmy Butler. light

Either way the Los Angeles Lakers are in a great position to attract the best free agents in the 2019 crop, and there is a good chance they will land another superstar alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles.

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