Kawhi Leonard Discussion: “I’m A Snake Clipper Guy.”

if Kawhi’s primary focus is on increasing his endorsement revenue, can Steve Ballmer offer Kawhi the same max contract all other teams can offer this summer... BUT offer a absurdly large endorsement deal for Kawhi to be a spokesperson for Microsoft?

I don’t know if that’s hypothetically possible, so I’m just asking if this is within the rules of the collective bargaining agreement.

My thought was it would be no different than Michael Jordan resigning Kemba Walker to the Hornets, and 3 months later Jordan Brand signs Kemba to a large shoe deal.

 

Kawhi would have to talk to be a spokesperson.

 

You should find his predraft video. He talks non-stop there.

 

Kawhi is a robot. Ballmer would load the latest Cortana and he'd be just fine.

 

so good... a man of few words, such a stark contrast with a lot of these other guys...

 

Hi @X !

I understand and share your concerns. It is difficult for me to make definitive statements about what Kawhi Leonard wants, when he hasn't made up his mind himself! There are many factors he has to weigh to come to a decision, but right now, he is busy with the playoffs. I have certain inklings of which way he is leaning based on what people closest to him have communicated to folks I know, but that is about it.

In general, it is unwise to make predictions about major free agent signings with a high degree of certainty before the draft has taken place. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, like LeBron to LA, but I'm sure you folks knew about that well in advance. As a die-hard fan myself, I completely empathize and understand that everyone wants me to tell you that Kawhi is 100% coming to the Lakers because 1) You can test the validity of my claims and 2) That would be amazing! But unfortunately, business is hardly ever that black and white. In fact there's an old saying, "It ain't over till the fat lady sings!"

Best,
Mr. Rambis

 

I don't think Kawhi wants to rep Microsoft. He feels he is a top player in the NBA and should have similar brand value to guys like Stephen and LeBron. Obviously his personality plays a role in why that is not the case, but nobody close to him will tell him that. In either case, the market you are in also plays a role. Even if Kawhi doesn't actively seek out the spotlight in LA, the spotlight will find him.

Now a lot of benefits come with just living and playing for an LA team. However the AEG specific ones are unique to the Lakers. The Clippers can't offer the degree of endorsement value and marketability that the Lakers can. What he can offer is a cleaner slate, a better front office, and arguably a better team to build around for the long term - I would disagree there but it's not my call to make. What Kawhi values in the end, we will see.

 

Hi all,

Unfortunately I'm hearing this several hours late thanks to my travel, but I didn't see any leaks of it so I'll note it here. Kawhi's camp (his agent & Dennis) did reach out to the Lakers today amidst the reported instability in the FO after Magic's interview. Nothing is off the table yet, but they are definitely concerned. AEG was looped in to a small degree because they were wondering if these sorts of reports would impact his future endorsement revenue streams (basically the New Balance stuff).

They were also concerned that if business people were focusing on basketball stuff (the Tim Harris comments that Magic made), then they wouldn't be fully focusing on the business side - where growth in that aspect of the business will make Kawhi more money.

I'm sure AEG quelled any of those concerns pretty fast. There's enough evidence from the Laker's worst years this decade to show that endorsement streams are not tightly correlated with the success of the team. This is just my assumption, though, I don't know what their actual response was, but I can probably find out later. In any case, I'm really hoping this doesn't turn into the disaster that was LaMarcus Aldridge a few years ago, where similar concerns about management made his camp feel the AEG's endorsement revenue would dry up fast.

That's all for now. Super busy this week. But stay tuned for more.

Warm Regards,
Mr. Rambis

 

I will be shocked if Kawhi even meets with us.

 

Not Kawhite freaky enough...





Meanwhile KD sitting at home managing his load and his L on socials again.



Kawhi, forget all the FO stuff... You ain't a system guy anyways. They say it's a cLipper town now (sorry threw up a lil) ...well help shift the Balance and get that New money here. Only one team in LA that can offer you that type of cashe.

 

Completely off topic but a more recent KD tweet.

 

LOL. Funny. But is KD lying?

 

Citizens of Toronto coming hard. LOL what if a bunch of rich people just start giving him s*** like this penthouse? Damn are there any rules against this? There's some really cool tall buildings going up all around Staples .... can some Lakers fan in L.A. please give him a higher up, more expensive condo?



https://www.yahoo.com/sports/real-e...penthouse-to-stay-with-raptors-191610865.html

 

he's devastatingly effective on both ends. i'm guessing we have no shot, but simply having him means you have a shot.

 

Ball
Kawhi
Ingram
LeBron
Stretch Big

Collect rings. That team would terrorize opponents on defense. I do have some concerns about who plays Center, but it wouldn’t matter much. Get a floor spacer who’s competent in the pick/roll and LeBron will do the rest. I like Dedmon. Probably out of the price range, though.