Conflicting Reports Emerge in Regards to Whether Magic Johnson Will Be in Lakers' Meeting With Kawhi

What is going on?

We know that star free agent Kawhi Leonard was going to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers when free agency begins this weekend, but it's who he's meeting with that's a bit of a head-scratcher.

In a weird turn of events, Kawhi is expected to meet with Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson next week.

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

Yeah, the same Magic Johnson who quit at his job Lakers president of basketball operations not that long ago. Does Jeanie Buss know that Anthony Davis, GM Rob Pelinka (who Magic doesn't like), and potentially Kobe Bryant are already reaching out to Kawhi?

Here’s a quick breakdown: Magic (no longer employed by the Lakers) and Anthony Davis (not yet a Laker) can call, meet, text, FT with Kawhi or other FAs on their own. They just can’t formally represent or be part of Lakers meeting.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 29, 2019

We know Magic has talked about Jeanie being his "sister" and her relationship with her actual brothers isn't great, but is she going to ignore what Magic did?

Well, wait a second. Maybe this ISN'T happening.

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

Apparently Kawhi and his camp asked for this, but it's not allowed by NBA rules, at least not formally. Johnson is free to meet with Leonard informally, so long as he's not doing so represented by the Lakers organization. At that point, it would just be two random people sitting down for a drink, chat, or whatever else they'd decide to meet for.

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

There will undoubtedly be more on this development in the coming hours and days, but right now it doesn't look like Kawhi will get his meeting with Magic. The Lakers better hope this doesn't affect his decision.