The Lakers have one guaranteed roster spot open ahead of next season. With most of their needs filled, could LA take a flier on one of LeBron James’ former teammates?
Lakers Could Be Option for Veteran Seeking “Glamour Market”
Report: Kevin Love Eyeing Big Cities if Bought Out
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Kevin Love is aiming for a “glamour market” once the Utah Jazz buy out his contract. The former top-five pick was included in a three-team trade that sent John Collins to the Clippers and Norman Powell to the Heat. On the cusp of his 18th season, it’s clear Love isn’t keen on spending it in Utah. He is in the middle of a two-year, $8 million contract and earning $4.1 million in 2025-26.
“So with Kevin Love, to my understanding, he really only wants to be in the big glamour markets. I do think it would mostly be something along the lines of Kevin Love going to a New York or a Los Angeles type of situation. So, we’ll see if that can materialize for him.”
Fischer added that Love’s buyout has taken a while because he—unlike recent candidates—does not have his next team confirmed.
The 2016 champion and five-time All-Star spent a little over two seasons in South Beach, gradually transitioning into a reserve role. In 23 games last year, he averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist in ten minutes. Throughout his career, Love has been a reliable starter, a double-double threat (16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds) and a decent floor-spacer. Although he could still contribute in spot minutes, his next team may use him more for his leadership.
Lakers Should Consider Kevin Love
Unless the Lakers find a younger hidden gem to stash on the end of the bench, they should bring Love, a Santa Monica native and UCLA alum, home for the twilight of his career. According to the betting website Bovada, the Lakers recently had the third-best odds to land him behind the Warriors and, to no surprise, the Cavs.
The 36-year-old is a respected veteran who has tremendous postseason experience. Both factors are crucial for a star-studded Lakers team eyeing another championship run. Love’s longstanding chemistry with LeBron is another incentive for the Lakers to sign him. The two had worked out together in late June, James’ first while recovering from an end-of-season knee injury.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike recently pointed out that while the team’s roster is likely set ahead of opening night, it wouldn’t hurt to add Love as a vocal leader next to James. The Lakers had several locker room veterans in the last few years—including Jared Dudley and Markieff Morris—whose biggest contributions came off the floor instead of on it. If Love is willing to accept that role for his hometown team, then he could very well be the missing piece of the Lakers’ puzzle.
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