NBA Free Agency: 3 All-Stars that will turn down the Los Angeles Lakers this summer

After failing to lure a second All-Star to play alongside LeBron James last summer, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal offseason. A disappointing 18/19 season has proved that the Lakers cannot win with just James, and the teams 2020 playoff hopes will depend on their ability to sign a second star in the coming months.

The 2019 pool of free-agents is perhaps the strongest in NBA history, although the Lakers will face immense competition from a number of rivals, who are also looking to secure the league's biggest talent.

Nevertheless, the Lakers still have a real shot at landing a player such as Kyrie Irving, however, here are three individuals that will turn down the opportunity to link up with LeBron James this summer.

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#3 Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

Klay Thompson will become an unrestricted agent this summer, and at 29, the Splash brother has a huge call to make on where he will spend the peak years of his career. Thompson has been with the Warriors since being drafted by the team back in 2011, and despite being part of one of the best teams in NBA history, some have urged Thompson to leave in order to secure a bigger role on a rival team.

Nevertheless, Thompson himself is believed to be more than happy with his current role on Steve Kerr's team, and Ethan Strauss of The Athletic has reported that a summer exit is unlikely:

While Thompson has indicated an interest in remaining a “Warrior for life,” his return cannot just be taken for granted. Still, the expectation within and outside the Warriors is that Klay isn’t leaving. This is why you don’t hear about any team besides the Lakers gearing up for the Summer of Klay.

Thompson is expected to command a five-year deal worth around $190 million, and while the Lakers have the salary room to add the five-time All-Star, it seems as though the franchise is facing an uphill battle due to Thompson's preference to remain with Golden State.

#2 Kevin Durant

Denver Nuggets v Golden State Warriors

Just like his Golden State teammate Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant is seeking a huge long-term deal this summer. The Warriors are desperate to retain Durant ahead of the team's impending move to a new arena, however, KD looks increasingly likely to call time on his spell with the Warriors after three seasons.

After years of playing second-fiddle to both Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry, Durant is believed to be looking to lead his own franchise, and the New York Knicks have been earmarked as KD's most likely destination.

The Lakers are still expected to make a pitch for Durant's future, and speculation has been further enhanced by reports that LeBron has personally reached out to the 2014 MVP. However, with Durant looking to both lead a franchise and claim the title as the NBA's best player, a move to the Lakers makes little sense.

#1 Kawhi Leonard

Toronto Raptors v San Antonio Spurs

Despite enjoying a strong debut season in Toronto with the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard is expected to leave during this summers free agency. Due to this, Leonard has been continually linked with a move to the Lakers in recent months, although Michael C. Wright has told ESPN's Brian Windhorst that the All-Star is not interested in the Lakers, and will instead head to their biggest rivals:

'I do not (think he is interested in the Lakers). That’s just what I’ve been told. It’s what I’ve been told going back to last summer. I don’t see that as something that’s happening. I think he goes to the Clippers'

After completing the signing of James last summer, the Lakers were interested in acquiring Leonard from the Spurs, however, Gregg Popovich refused to enter any talks with the Los Angeles organization. The Lakers still hoped to secure Leonard this summer, although it looks as though they will miss out on the All-Star for a second consecutive year.