Report: Lakers under pressure to trade for Kawhi ahead of LeBron pitch

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing mounting pressure to acquire San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard due to LeBron James' hesitance to join the franchise without another superstar in place, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Brian Windhorst, and Ramona Shelburne.

The Lakers were expected to pursue at least two of James, Leonard, and Paul George during the offseason. However, there's reportedly growing uncertainty that George will leave the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Leonard has one year remaining on his deal with the Spurs and reportedly wants to join the Lakers. San Antonio is in full control of his contract until next summer, though, and has reportedly made it clear it doesn't want to deal the disgruntled star to a Western Conference rival.

The Lakers reportedly attempted to start a dialogue with the Spurs, but the latter was unenthusiastic about the move. The pressure to sign Leonard has led L.A. to pursue a future first-round pick around the league to help with a potential deal, according to ESPN.

The futures of several young Lakers under contract - such as Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart - remain uncertain, as it's unlikely James will want to join the team at 33 years old to play with such an inexperienced roster.