The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked with an NBA champion that they could reunite with LeBron James, but there’s a big obstacle in the way.
The Lakers have had an active offseason that has dominated the headlines. They signed Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million extension, signed players in key positions, and kept James despite rumours of him leaving LA.
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
They are now linked with James’ former teammate, who won the NBA championship with him in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But there’s something getting in the way.
LA Lakers linked with LeBron James’ former teammate Kevin Love, but a player needs to make way
Kevin Love said that he wants to move to LA, his hometown, where he went to college. The Lakers and the Clippers are his preferred destinations as he looks to force a move away from the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers could sign Love if the Jazz buy him out, but they would need to make some cap space in order to do so. Signing DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart this offseason has limited their options for the near future.
That also goes for the Clippers, who signed Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints explained, “Both the Clippers and Lakers still have one open roster spot.
“But if the Lakers were to pursue Love and reunite him with LeBron, they would need to move off another contract since they are hard-capped at the first apron and just $1.1 million from this mark.
“When looking at the Clippers, they are basically in the same situation, as they are $1.2 million from their first apron hard cap.”
Neither team has expressed interest in signing Love. However, he would join on a veteran’s minimum for what would most likely be his final NBA season. His veteran leadership and shooting ability are much-needed assets on any championship contender.
Golden State Warriors among other potential landing spots for Kevin Love
Siegel went on to explore alternative options for Love if he didn’t move to LA. He said, “Perhaps a reunion with the Minnesota Timberwolves should be discussed. The Timberwolves have an open roster spot to fill, and they recently lost Luka Garza in free agency.”
Led by young star Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves hope to take the fight to the Oklahoma City Thunder after losing in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year.
Siegel continued, “The two other teams with open roster spots that allow Love the opportunity to be a part of a winning organization are the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors.”
The Nuggets have rebuilt their roster, sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets to add some depth around Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile, the Warriors, amid a Jonathan Kuminga contract saga, are always in need of veteran leadership.
They aim to bring Steph Curry his fifth NBA title, alongside Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Love isn’t a game-changer for anyone, but his veteran presence and championship-winning DNA would be an asset to a contender’s locker room.