Lakers Rumors: Magic Johnson Leaking Kawhi Leonard Meetings Sealed LA's Fate

The Los Angeles Lakers' efforts to land superstar free agent Kawhi Leonard were reportedly derailed when Magic Johnson publicly discussed his conversation with Leonard's camp.

Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Johnson's decision to talk about conversations with the reigning NBA Finals MVP, who ultimately signed with the rival Los Angeles Clippers, and his uncle, Dennis Robertson, caused a loss of trust.

"I truly believe that when Magic started telling the media about the meeting he had with Kawhi and Dennis, that sealed the fate of the Lakers," a source told The Athletic. "I think that right there was when Dennis and Kawhi decided we can't trust the Lakers as an organization. And that was it. I think that was it for them."

Johnson told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne on June 28 an intermediary reached out seeking to set up a meeting with Leonard ahead of free agency. Two days later, the Lakers legend and former team president confirmed to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times he'd met with Kawhi and Robertson.

Meanwhile, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported after the market opened that Leonard's camp had "insisted on total silence" during the negotiation process.

The Clippers kept their dealings more quiet. Not only did they land the three-time All-NBA First Team selection amid rampant rumors that connected him to the Lakers or a possible return to the Toronto Raptors, but they also worked out a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George.

One reason Johnson struggled in his role as Lakers president was his inability to censor himself when he spoke with the media. The Lakers were fined $50,000 in June 2018 for his public remarks about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

When the Hall of Famer suddenly stepped down from his position in April, he admitted the league's rules prevented him from enjoying the job.

"I want to go back to having fun," Johnson told reporters. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job."

Johnson finds himself in a difficult position. He can clearly be a major asset to the organization, as the signing of LeBron James and Leonard's desire to meet with him illustrate. But he's also personable and has a hard time keeping that type of information private.

It's unclear whether his discussion of his meeting with Leonard and Robertson was the deciding factor or part of a series of reasons the Lakers lost out to the Clippers in the offseason's marquee battle, but the result should make for an awesome rivalry in L.A.