It appears the Denver Nuggets are also considering competing for a soon-to-be free agent, one that the LA Lakers have long had their eye on.
The Denver Nuggets made a real push this offseason to rebuild their roster after what had been a topsy-turvy season for them.
The Nuggets emerged as one of the biggest winners of free agency, signing and landing several big names, including Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.
It has been a very successful offseason for the Nuggets, who have made it clear that they’re ready to compete for an NBA championship.
But the Nuggets also have their eyes on another star who is expected to become a free agent soon. And it looks like the Nuggets will have to fight the LA Lakers, who are also interested in him.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesDenver Nuggets could target Kevin Love amid LA Lakers interest
The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando did a piece on the Denver Nuggets’ offseason recently. He pointed out that Kevin Love is expected to be bought out by the Utah Jazz.
While the Lakers are the favorites, he presented Love as an option for the Nuggets, especially since he has experience with Nuggets head coach David Adelman during their time together on the Timberwolves.
“Although he’s been linked to other teams already, one idea worth throwing out there is Kevin Love. The 37-year-old is widely expected to be traded or bought out by Utah before the season, and when he does, a contender will scoop him up.
“Maybe he gets an encore in Cleveland or joins one of the Los Angeles teams. But why not Denver? He and Adelman have a previous relationship from their overlapping years with the Timberwolves.
“Love also played high school ball near Portland, Ore., and lost the 2005 state championship game to Jesuit High School — where Adelman was a volunteer assistant coach at the time.”
LA Lakers have more of a need for Kevin Love than Denver Nuggets
While the Denver Nuggets can definitely try to land Kevin Love, it’s going to be a hard task to compete with a very driven LA Lakers front office.
The Lakers are struggling for wing and size depth, with Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, and LeBron James being their biggest players.
In comparison, the Denver Nuggets have a lot more options in that department. At the end of the day, the decision will come down to Love, who may prioritize a bigger role.
Furthermore, Love’s advantage of having played with LeBron James for so long is likely to play a factor in whatever decision he makes