The Los Angeles Lakers "believe they are firmly in the lead" in pursuit of Kawhi Leonard, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
The reasoning Stein outlines for the confidence from the Lakers is "largely through the recruiting efforts and assurances made on separate fronts from Magic Johnson and LeBron James."
Leonard is considering the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors.
The Lakers have preserved their cap space in hopes of signing Leonard.