For as much as the OKC Thunder got blindsided this offseason by the trade request of Paul George, it could be argued the deal that sent PG to the Clippers also blindsided the Lakers. Whether Leonard would’ve selected the Lakers or returned to the Raptors without the deal isn’t something fans are likely to ever get a definitive answer to. But, that one trade changed the direction of at least four teams (Thunder, Lakers, Raptors, and Clippers).
In hindsight, with DeMarcus Cousins recent ACL injury the Lakers will begin next season already needing to address issues in their frontcourt.