LeBron James and Anthony Davis are going to pitch Kawhi Leonard on joining the Lakers.
Now that Leonard has reportedly set up a meeting with the Lakers in free agency, the two stars are going to be a part of the formal pitch, according to The Athletic.
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
Former team president Magic Johnson and owner Jeannie Buss are also expected to be part of the meeting, according to the Los Angeles Times.
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
However, according to a report from ESPN, Johnson cannot be involved in the meeting.
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
Leonard will reportedly opt out of the final year of his deal with the Raptors and will have several meetings around the NBA, potentially with teams like the Nets, Clippers and Knicks.
He will have his final meeting with the Raptors who, according to multiple reports, very much believe they will be able to keep Leonard in Toronto.
As for James and Davis, the Lakers reportedly acquired the Pelicans center in a deal a couple of weeks ago for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks.
They also convinced Davis to waive his $4 million trade kicker and dealt Mo Wagner, Jemerrio Jones and Isaac Bonga to the Wizards which cleared up enough cap space to land another max player on the roster.
Los Angeles is trying to get Leonard but also has its eye on Kyrie Irving and D'Angelo Russell.
The team has also been connected to several other players on the open market including Danny Green, Seth Curry, Terrence Ross and DeAndre Jordan.
Free agency officially begins Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.