UPDATED 06/30/19 09:40 p.m. ET: Magic Johnson, Kawhi Leonard, and Kawhi's uncle, Dennis Robertson, got on a call on Sunday, June 30, Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reports. Haynes also reported that Kawhi has decided to take his time with his free agency decision.
Yahoo Sources: Kawhi Leonard will not meet with teams on first day of free agency; will take his time through process. https://t.co/9WFD2x5Zvp
See original story from 06/28/2019 below.
Kawhi Leonard sought out a meeting with Magic Johnson, according to reporter Ramona Shelburne.
Shelburne shared a direct quote from Magic on Twitter: “A friend of mine called and says Kawhi wants to meet with you… I said no problem. I’m available if that’s what this man wants,” Johnson told ESPN.
However, Magic can’t be in the official free agency pitch. In another tweet, Shelburne explained why, writing that 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.”
Earlier on Friday, reporter Brad Turner wrote that Kawhi’s people are reportedly set to meet with the Lakers and Magic Johnson. “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.” According to Turner, it doesn’t look like Kawhi will be in the alleged meeting.
Magic stepped down from his role as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations a while back. Judging from Shelburne and Turner’s reporting, GM Rob Pelinka doesn’t looked to be involved in the meeting. Pelinka was the one who seemed to have the biggest rift with Magic.
According to reporter Sam Amick, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are also “planning on being part of the formal pitch.”
Magic opened up about his decision to resign from the Lakers on First Take in May. He revealed that one of the major points of contention during his tenure was his desire to fire coach Luke Walton. Magic wanted to move away from Walton's coaching style, but this didn’t sit well with Buss, whose hesitance reportedly hindered Magic from doing his job.
“The straw that broke the camel's back was I wanted to fire Luke Walton,” Johnson explained. “And we had...three meetings. And I showed her the things he did well and the things he didn't do well. I said, ‘Listen, we got to get a better coach.’”
Although Johnson claims he told Buss and team executives that he would not allow his position to impose on other business ventures, questions started to be raised about Magic's dedication to the organization. Still, Johnson said Pelinka chose to “backstab” him by whispering behind his back.
