NBA News Roundup, Sunday, July 28th: Carmelo Anthony backed to make return with Team USA, Kawhi Leonard denies Lakers rumors and more

By Tristan Elliott

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT

Will Carmelo Anthony make his return with the national team?

Kawhi Leonard denies Lakers rumours

Kawhi Leonard enjoyed a stunning 18-19 season with the Toronto Raptors

After more than a week of intense speculation, Kawhi Leonard opted to join the Los Angeles Clippers during free agency. Since heading to Los Angeles' 'other team', a number of sources have reported that the Finals MVP grew up supporting the Lakers, although Leonard told Yahoo Sports that this wasn't the case:

Whatever media outlet was out there saying that Kawhi prefers the Lakers over the Clippers, or Paul (George) loves the Lakers, was wrong. I wasn’t a fan of the Lakers growing up.

Leonard will be joined in Los Angeles by Paul George, who earlier this week revealed that he was a boyhood Clippers fan. Ironically, the All-star duo will now face off against LeBron James and the Lakers, with the two LA sides expected to be among the Western Conferences best teams.