Report: Lakers warn staff about tampering
The Los Angeles Lakers recently held a meeting warning all employees about possible tampering ahead of the opening of NBA free agency on July 1, according to an ESPN report Wednesday.
Per the report, co-owner and governor Jeanie Buss called the meeting, and president of basketball operations Magic Johnson led it. Some employees also received written notice that termination could be possible for anyone who might violate NBA rules.
"We are under incredible scrutiny with everything, so Jeanie and had to make this crystal, crystal clear to everyone," a Lakers source told ESPN, referencing recent violations of the league's anti-tampering rules.
The Lakers were fined $500,000 last August after general manager Rob Pelinka made a prohibited form of contact with the agent of forward Paul George while he was with the Indiana Pacers. That came after the team had been warned following Johnson's public comments about George.
L.A. was also fined $50,000 this past February for Johnson's public comments praising the play of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Lakers, who have the cap flexibility to sign two players to max-level contracts, are expected to be among the league's most active teams in free agency, particularly in pursuit of star-level talent like George -- who has voiced desire to play for the Lakers -- and LeBron James.
--Field Level Media
