Things are getting crazier and crazier with NBA free agency rumors and we’re here for all the drama and speculation before the period officially starts this Saturday night.
In the latest Kawhi Leonard rumors, the NBA Finals MVP has granted the Los Angeles Lakers a meeting before he finally meets with the Toronto Raptors, but the specifics of who’s going to be there are a little murky at the moment. All we know so far is that he has requested Magic Johnson and Jeanie Buss to be present.
As of now, we’ve heard and seen reports that LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be part of the pitch (and even already in communication with The Klaw), but there has been no talk of Rob Pelinka in these preliminary reports.
We already told you that Kawhi to L.A. thing was coming before the mainstream media even spoke on it, but this news that continues trickling is fun to keep track of.
Sources. Kawhi Leonard’s people plan on meeting with Lakers president Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson next week when free agency starts. Will most likely be in LA
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 28, 2019
According to my guy @stephenasmith … Kawhi made a personal request to the Lakers that their free-agent meeting include only owner Jeanie Buss and their former team president Magic Johnson pic.twitter.com/E4ZQX3Rntr
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2019
Magic Johnson says he will help the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency in any way he can, but he is not permitted by NBA rules to be part of official team meetings with prospective free agents. Johnson said he has not been asked by the Lakers or owner Jeanie Buss to participate.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 28, 2019
Johnson says “A friend of mine called and says Kawhi wants to meet with you,” Johnson told ESPN. “I said no problem. I’m available if that’s what this man wants.
“But I got a great life. I’m not trying to mess with anybody’s job.”
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 28, 2019
Magic Johnson has been saying since the day he stepped down that he would still be part of the Lakers free agent recruiting efforts. Am also told that LeBron James and Anthony Davis plan to meet with Kawhi Leonard, taking a hands-on approach to try to complete their team.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) June 28, 2019
According to Stephen A. Smith earlier today, he’s been hearing whispers that the Lakers are a legitimate contender to sign Kawhi to a max deal and in fact, New Balance wants him to play in the Los Angeles area as opposed to Toronto.
Because the league has specifically told Lakers and Magic that he can’t be a formal part if the free agency process, the Lakers have made no attempt to engage Johnson formally, according to league sources.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 28, 2019
However there has been regular communication between Magic Johnson and the Lakers about how he can be helpful to them informally, as he no longer works for the team, and is free to have any relationships with current players.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 28, 2019
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