The Los Angeles Clippers may have a chance to sign LeBron James if the NBA voids Kawhi Leonard’s contract, according to ESPN reporters Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps. The NBA is investigating Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, which could affect the forward’s current contract.
James, 41, is on an expiring two-year deal with the Lakers and averaged 20.9 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds over 54 games this season. He has previously stated that playing in L.A. for the Clippers would feel like a road game, not offering the same connection as the Lakers.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, who won a championship with James in 2016 with the Cavaliers, maintains a strong relationship with the veteran forward. The potential move could provide James with significant financial benefits and off-court opportunities similar to staying in Los Angeles with the Lakers.
The Clippers’ current roster features Leonard, who is averaging 28.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 59 games, alongside Darius Garland (21.3 points) and Bennedict Mathurin (20.3 points). If Leonard’s contract were voided, it could free significant cap space, enabling the franchise to pursue James.
The investigation centers on whether payments from Aspiration were designed to bypass salary cap rules. Leonard reportedly received $20 million in stock and $28 million in “no-show” payments, coinciding with Clippers-funded carbon credit purchases. Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg pleaded guilty to federal fraud in 2025, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called salary cap circumvention a “cardinal sin.”
Los Angeles’ basketball dynamics would shift significantly with James on the Clippers. The Lakers, third in the West at 49-26, feature James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves as core contributors.
League sources note that James’ willingness to join the Clippers is speculative but grounded in potential advantages. Off-court benefits, competitive positioning, and his relationship with Lue make Los Angeles’ second franchise a viable destination in free agency.
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