NBA Rumors: LeBron James is trying to recruit Kawhi, Jimmy B to LA

NBA Rumors: LeBron James is reportedly trying to recruit Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler to the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the offseason with a ton of work at hand. While they have done well by finding their next head coach in Frank Vogel – whether you agree with the hire or not – there is a bigger issue at hand, and that’s who will be suiting up next to LeBron James in year two of this experiment.

While there have been whispers that the Lakers will target some of the top tier free agents, the prospects of them actually landing one of them haven’t been great – even with LeBron already on the roster and committed.

With that said, it won’t come without trying – on both the part of what’s left of the Lakers’ front office and LeBron himself. And in a recent report, there are already rumblings that LeBron has begun his pitching to a few of a couple of the big-name free agents.

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On Around The Horn, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst admitted that LeBron has already begun recruiting. Interestingly, he mentions two names – Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler.

"[via ESPN – Around The Horn Podcast]“From what I understand, he has already begun the recruiting process. I’ve heard he has had contact with Kawhi Leonard. I’ve heard he has had contact with Jimmy Butler. There is no tampering enforcement by players. … The thing about it is, I don’t know if texts and calls and maybe a dinner with LeBron is enough for the Lakers to overcome the hurdles that they’re going to have.”"

It’s no surprise to see Kawhi and Jimmy B specifically mentioned by Windhorst here. Both of these players would be ideal fits next to LeBron – they both are elite defensive players and don’t exactly need their ball in their hands at all times to be effective on the offensive end of the floor.

Should the Lakers have the opportunity to land either one of these players, there’s no question that they would take the next step as a franchise in the Western Conference. However, just like everything has been for the Lakers ever since they signed LeBron, it won’t be easy.

The Philadelphia 76ers have to be the overwhelming favorites to re-sign Jimmy B and, apart from them, there will be a number of other suitors that also have plenty of money to spend. the same could be said about Kawhi with the Toronto Raptors, who are on the cusp of their first NBA Finals appearance in team history, and the number of other teams that will be vying for his services this summer.

Next. New York Knicks: Why Kemba Walker is the right fit. dark

LeBron is on the recruiting trail, clearly, but which big-name free agent will he be able to get to join the Lakers?

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