The Los Angeles Lakers have issued a stern warning on its employees of tampering with free agents in the upcoming free agency period.
The meeting was spearheaded by LA Lakers co-owner and governor Jeanie Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka, and Magic Johnson, who is the team's president of basketball operations. The LA Lakers have been penalized by the NBA twice after failing to adhere to the rules.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, LA Laker employees who fail to follow the league's protocols will suffer an immediate termination. The league restricts teams from negotiating a deal with free agents before July 1.
Paul George And LeBron James To LA Lakers
LA Lakers are reportedly looking to sign two superstars this offseason. Those aforementioned superstars are believed to be four-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James and Paul George.
Last offseason, the LA Lakers were fined $500,000 by the league after Pelinka decided to contact George's agent. The Oklahoma City Thunder star played 79 regular season games in the 2017-18 NBA season averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Aside from George, the Lakers also remain favorites to land four-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James. The three-time NBA champion played all 82 games with an incredible stat line of 27.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. James has until June 30 to decide on whether he will stay or leave the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The LA Lakers enter the offseason having more cap space more than any other squad. This means that they have the potential to bring both George and James to the City of Angels.
Kawhi Leonard To LA Lakers
Besides the two All-Stars, the LA Lakers has also been constantly linked to San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard. Earlier last week, Leonard expressed his desire of moving to Los Angeles.
However, the former Finals MVP has yet to ask for a trade from the Spurs' management. On the other hand, the LA Lakers have yet to make a move for Leonard barring injury concerns but trade talks involving the two-time defensive player of the year is set to intensify in the coming weeks.
The one-time NBA champion, who is in the last year of his contract, is expected to be offered by the Spurs management with a $219 million extension. Leonard is set to meet with head coach Gregg Popovich before considering other choices.
Leonard appeared in nine games with the Spurs this season after suffering from a right quadriceps injury. Sources close to Leonard's camp reported earlier this week that the two-time NBA All-Star is already 100 percent healthy. Leonard averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season.
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