Apologies to those out in Southern California who suffered through the two recent earthquakes–including a 7.1 that hit overnight–but native son Kawhi Leonard choosing the Los Angeles Clippers over the storied purple and gold of the 16-time NBA champion Lakers sent proverbial aftershocks throughout the league.
After leading the Toronto Raptors–and Canada–to its first ever NBA championship in a stunning six-game series win over the defending back-to-back champion Golden State Warriors, the two time NBA Finals MVP decided it was time to bring his talents home to the West Coast.
To the Clippers, and not the Lakers, as many so-called experts widely believed.
While the Lakers already have LeBron James and Anthony Davis–pending the completion of their own mega-trade–has totally reshaped the NBA as well as the balance of power.
In addition to landing the man known as The Klaw, the Clippers also acquired Palmdale, CA native and NBA All-Star swingman, Paul George for second-year point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the expiring contract of Danilo Gallinari, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick and two future pick swaps, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnaworski.
Once seen as an afterthought and gloried second tenant of the Lakers, the moves for both Leonard and George put the Clippers on an even par with the LBJ-AD duo–who themselves added NBA Finals champions in SG Danny Green and SF Andre Igudoula.
Suddenly, things just got more dramatic in the city known for producing summer blockbusters.
Only in Hollywood, right!