NBA News Roundup, Saturday, April 20th: Kawhi Leonard to join Lakers or Clippers, Dwight Howard set for Wizards stay and more

The 2019 playoffs are now in full swing, and things are also heating up off the court. A number of eliminated teams are making moves to restructure their coaching set-up ahead of the 2019/20 season, while the upcoming NBA draft is creeping closer.

A number of stars around the league are also about to hit free agency, so with no shortage of stories around the NBA, here is everything you need to know for April 20th.

Lakers and Clippers battle it out for Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is being linked to the Lakers and Clippers

Kawhi Leonard's future remains a major talking point around the NBA. As the league's quietest and most private star, Leonard has offered no hints as to where he will be playing basketball next season. However, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers lead the pack to secure the 27-year-old's future:

One former player said Leonard’s teammates expect him to leave for Los Angeles after the season, although he didn’t specify which franchise. Outside of a few who suggest Leonard might choose the Lakers, it seems almost everyone around the league (dating back to last July) believe Leonard will join the Clippers instead.

After spending seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard was traded to the Raptors last summer. Kawhi had been widely expected to remain in San Antonio for the duration of his career, although an ongoing dispute between Leonard and the Spurs over his injury rehabilitation led to the Spurs trading him.

Leonard has excelled in his time with the Raptors, averaging 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. However, as a Los Angeles native, it appears that the small forward is set to return home this summer.

Dwight Howard Opts into $5.6M Wizards Player Option

Dwight Howard looks set to spend the 19/20 season with the Washington Wizards after opting into his player option

Dwight Howard has yet to play in 2019 after undergoing spinal surgery, although it appears that he will be remaining with the Washington Wizards next season. According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, Howard has activated the final year of his contract:

Not a shocker obviously, but Dwight Howard has opted into his $5.6 million deal for next season (player option) with Washington, sources say.

Howard joined the Wizards last summer, although his debut season in the nation's capital was heavily impacted by injuries, He played just nine times, averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds.

Washington hoped that the addition of the former All-Star could propel them into contention, however, many view Howard as a player in decline which definitely seems to be the case right now.

Sekou Doumbouya declares for the 2019 NBA draft

Sekou Doumbouya has been compared toÂ Giannis Antetokounmpo — Sekou Doumbouya has been compared to Giannis Antetokounmpo

Following his breakout season in Europe, Sekou Doumbouya will enter the upcoming NBA draft according to reports from ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

French forward Sekou Doumbouya has submitted paperwork to the league office to make himself eligible for the 2019 NBA draft, his agent, Bouna Ndiaye of Comsport, told ESPN.

Doumbouya was born in Guinea, although his family relocated to France while he was still an infant. Despite being just 18, Doumbouya has established himself as an important player for Limoges in the French league, and he has averaged 6.7 points and 3 rebounds over 30 games.

Despite his modest stats, scouts view the 6-foot-9 power forward as a potential top 10 pick. Doumbouya does not turn 19 until December, and if selected in the upcoming draft, the Frenchman could become the youngest player to play in the NBA since Giannis Antetokounmpo made his debut back in 2013.