The Los Angeles Lakers plan to set up a meeting with top free agent D'Angelo Russell, but they “aren't likely” to offer him a max contract.

The Lakers recently freed up some cap space worth $32 million, which is enough for a max contract. However, they are expected to offer it to Kawhi Leonard, who is probably the biggest free agent this year. As such, the Purple and Gold may not have enough to offer Russell a max contract that is worth $27 million.

Per Tania Ganguli and Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

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“With $32 million of salary cap space, the Lakers have the money available to sign Russell. That space will evaporate if they succeed in luring Kawhi Leonard, with whom they will meet in the next few days. Leonard, who just won a championship as the star of the Toronto Raptors, would garner a maximum contract.”

“The Lakers aren’t likely to offer Russell a maximum contract, which would be $27.285 million per year.”

To recall, Russell was the second overall pick by the Lakers in 2015. He spent two seasons donning the purple and gold. However, locker room controversies involving Nick Young forced Magic Johnson — then the team's president of basketball operations — to trade him to the Brooklyn Nets.

With the Nets, Russell blossomed into an All-Star. However, with Brooklyn expected to lure in Kyrie Irving, Russell will likely leave and enter unrestricted free agency.