Report: Lakers re-engaged Spurs on trade talks for Leonard

When one door closes, another opens.

In the case of the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, however, one door was vehemently slammed shut but has now been re-opened.

The Lakers re-engaged San Antonio on trade talks concerning All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday after previously having that door shut on them, league sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

It had been reported the Lakers were feeling pressure to promptly complete a deal with the Spurs for Leonard's services in an attempt to entice potential soon-to-be free agent LeBron James - who has until Friday to opt out of the final year of his deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers - to sign with the organization.

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While the Spurs are trying to heal their fractured relationship with Leonard, the 26-year-old has reportedly made it clear he not only wants out, but he ultimately prefers to join his hometown Lakers.

If San Antonio is left with no alternative but to move him, it would reportedly prefer to send him to the Eastern Conference. But an overwhelming offer by the Lakers could convince the Spurs to move Leonard to Los Angeles.

The Lakers are said to be using the packages received for both Paul George and Kyrie Irving as models as they look to acquire Leonard. They're also pursuing another first-round draft pick to sweeten the potential deal, and are reportedly willing to take on additional salary to make that a reality.

Leonard is under contract through the 2018-19 season for a touch over $20 million and could bypass his player option of $21 million in 2019-20, become an unrestricted free agent, and sign with the Lakers on his own merit.

He made just nine appearances this past season because of a lingering quad injury, with the diagnosis of his injury creating conflict between his representatives and Spurs management.