Report: Magic plans to help Lakers in free agency but can't join meetings

Magic Johnson plans on helping the Los Angeles Lakers during free agency but won't be allowed to join official meetings with available players due to NBA rules, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

"A friend of mine called and says Kawhi (Leonard) wants to meet with you," Johnson said, according to Shelburne. "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."

It was previously reported that Johnson was planning on joining Lakers owner Jeanie Buss in a meeting with Leonard's camp. However, Johnson claimed that neither the Lakers nor Buss have asked him to participate in discussions, according to Shelburne.

Johnson abruptly parted ways with the Lakers organization after spending two seasons as president of basketball operations. Nonetheless, the Hall of Fame point guard has maintained a strong relationship with Buss despite not holding an official position.

Lakers All-Star LeBron James and newly acquired big man Anthony Davis are also planning on being a part of the recruiting effort to sway Leonard to leave the NBA champion Toronto Raptors, a source told The Athletic's Sam Amick.

However, Davis' involvement in the Lakers' pitch to Leonard would be considered tampering, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. The six-time All-Star is technically still a member of the New Orleans Pelicans until the trade becomes official July 6.

The Lakers were able to open up a max-contract slot by dealing virtually their entire roster in the Anthony Davis trade, leaving them with approximately $32 million in available cap space. The additional room now puts them in a position to compete with the L.A. Clippers and Raptors for Leonard.