Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers just can’t quit each other.
Despite his recent issues with the franchise, Johnson is planning to help recruit Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers. The Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner reported on Friday that Leonard was planning on meeting with Magic and Jeanie Buss during his meeting with the Lakers.
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
Johnson and Buss will not be alone in the meeting, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are reportedly set to take part as well.
With the Lakers now expected to land a Kawhi Leonard meeting, a source tells @TheAthletic that LeBron James AND Anthony Davis are planning on being part of the formal pitch.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 28, 2019
Despite these reports, some clarifications need to be made. Davis will not officially be a part of the Lakers at the time of their free agent meetings because the trade is not set to be official until July 6. That would make his presence at meetings considered “tampering.”
Also, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne cleared things up about Magic. She says Leonard wanted to talk with him specifically and he has made himself available for that, though he will not be allowed to actually be part of the team’s official meeting with Leonard.
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
Johnson’s willingness to help the Lakers comes little more than a month after he publicly criticized GM Rob Pelinka on national television. That came after Johnson abruptly quit his job as the team’s president of basketball operations at the end of the season. Despite all this, he’ll be selling the team anyway. Yes, it’s strange, but Magic is still an NBA icon and one of the most prominent Lakers of all time. It seems that everyone can get over the weird recent history when it comes to recruiting a potentially franchise-changing player.
