Los Angeles Lakers are well known to be in the market to add another superstar on their roster.
Magic Johnson tried tirelessly to sign Anthony Davis before last week’s trade deadline but all six of his offers were rejected.
Now the Lakers are planning to swoop for a number of targets this summer as several of the league’s top players are out of contract.
Boston Celtics’ Irving and Leonard, of Toronto Raptors, are two of the most sought after. So is Golden State Warriors ace Kevin Durant.
James named all three players in his starting line-up for this weekend’s All-Star game – but he has made clear that had nothing to do with the impending free agency market.
“It’s all good and well and dandy, but for me, I picked according to my draft board, and I picked according to who was the best available,” James said.
“It just so happened that I had KD, who’s a pending free agent, and Kyrie, who’s a pending free agent.
“James [Harden] is under contract until 2030. Kawhi’s a free agent.”
Durant has been heavily linked with a move to New York Knicks while Irving and Leonard’s futures are up in the air.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are now the frontrunners to sign Davis at the end of the season after the Lakers failed to agree terms.
Pelicans chief Dell Demps released a statement last week explaining why a deal could not be struck.
“Anthony Davis will play the remainder of the 2018-19 season for the New Orleans Pelicans,” he said.
“A number of factors contributed to this decision. Ultimately, Anthony made it clear to us that he wants to play and he gives our team the best opportunity to win games.
“Moreover, the Pelicans want to preserve the integrity of the game and align our organisation with NBA policies.
“We believe Anthony playing upholds the values that are in the best interest of the NBA and its fans.”