NBA Rumors: 3 All-Stars the Los Angeles Lakers are targeting ahead of free agency 

The 2019 offseason is about to kick into full-swing as free agency begins later this weekend. This year's free agent class among the most impressive in recent history and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be among the most active teams following another disappointing season.

The Lakers have already completed a trade for Anthony Davis, although the team has plenty of cap space remaining to pull off another major move. A host of names are being linked with a move to Los Angeles, and here are three players that the Lakers are believed to be targeting ahead of free agency.

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#3 Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard was the driving force behind the Toronto Raptors' first championship-winning season

Due to Kevin Durant's Achilles tear, Kawhi Leonard is the offseasons most in-demand free agent. The 27-year-old is coming off a season in which he led the Toronto Raptors to a first-ever title, and his performances in the postseason were among the best in recent history.

Over 24 playoff appearances, Leonard averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, and Leonard's heroics were rewarded with a second Finals MVP.

Over the past few months, many had ruled out the prospect of Leonard signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, although ESPN is reporting that Leonard has requested a personal meeting with the franchise:

Kawhi Leonard will speak to the Los Angeles Lakers in the next few days and has made a personal request that only owner Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson, the team's former president of basketball operations

On the Lakers side of things, the franchise has an intense interest in signing Leonard, and the team has the cap space to offer the All-Star a max contract.

A trio of Leonard, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would immediately become the most feared in NBA history, and the Lakers will do everything in their power to close out a deal this week.

#2 D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell has reinvented his career with the Brooklyn Nets

D'Angelo Russell was drafted by the Lakers with the second pick of the 2015 draft, although his stint with the team lasted just two years as Magic Johnson opted to install Lonzo Ball as the team's new point guard.

Since heading to the Nets, Russell has transformed into an All-Star and the 23-year-old is coming off a season in which he averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Russell's form has been noted by multiple teams around the NBA, and Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium is reporting that the Lakers are among the interest teams:

The Lakers have serious interest in Nets restricted free agent D’Angelo Russell, L.A.’s former No. 2 overall pick and former starting point guard

Russell's potential arrival could depend on the Nets' ability to bring in Kyrie Irving, although he is believed to be open to returning to the team that drafted him.

#1 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is set to leave the Boston Celtics this summer

At the start of the 18-19 season, Kyrie Irving expressed his desire to sign with a new long-term deal with the Boston Celtics. However, Irving's happiness with the franchise has been questioned throughout the season, and reports recently emerged that Irving had been ignoring the organization's attempts to reach out to him over a contract extension.

In light of this, Irving is expected to leave the Celtics in free agency, and while the Brooklyn Nets are believed to be the front runners for his signature, Marc Stein of the New York Times is reporting that the Lakers remain keen to sign the All-Star.

Kyrie Irving remains as much a target for the Lakers as Kawhi Leonard, league sources say, now that the Lakers are sure they can open maximum cap space. They are swinging for the fences despite all of the signals that have pointed Irving to Brooklyn ...

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2019

Irving will command a max deal, and he has previously won a championship alongside LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers' hopes of signing Irving are likely to be dependant on the 27-year-old's desire to team up with the superstar once again.