Kevin Love to the Lakers? Exploring financials of potential deal for 5x All-Star and a reunion with LeBron James
A Kevin Love-LeBron James reunion could happen in LA this season. Many predicted that Kyrie Irving and LeBron James would be the ones to reunite at the trade deadline. It seems that Love now has the best opportunity to be James' teammate again.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers' young core competing for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, Love has seen his playing time decrease. Through 41 games, Love has averaged a career-low 20.0 minutes per game. He's also averaged a career-low in points (8.5) and rebounds (6.8).
As a result of his limited role, Love is finalizing a buyout with the Cavs. The news isn't exactly a surprise. Many predicted that Love would ask for a trade out of Cleveland prior to the deadline. Now that he will soon be a free agent, fans are clamoring for him to sign with the LA Lakers.
Shams Charania has reported that Love could stay within the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat are reportedly one of the teams interested in Love.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, sources tell me and @ByJasonLloyd.
Full details at @TheAthletic, including an Eastern Conference playoff contender expected to emerge as a suitor for Love: theathletic.com/4210496/2023/0…
Following the Lakers' win over the New Orleans Pelicans, fans took to social media to discuss a potential reunion between Love and James. While the LA Lakers cleared some cap space by trading Russell Westbrook, it's no secret that money is tight in LA.
The way things stand right now, the LA Lakers need veteran experience. Kevin Love wants to be on a team where he can contribute. Although the Lakers improved their depth at the trade deadline, they could use a player like Love. He would have the opportunity to play significant minutes with the Lakers, especially if Anthony Davis suffers another injury.
The 'First Take' crew recently weighed in on the latest Kevin Love rumors and explained why the veteran big man should sign with the Lakers:
Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers, will he be a help in LA?
Leading up to the trade deadline, there was no indication that Kevin Love was going to part ways with the Cavaliers. He was an integral part of the Cavaliers' success last season. He provided them with a big spark off the bench and appeared in 74 games. Despite proving that he can still contribute, Love found himself out of the rotation this season.
Ahead of the trade deadline, Cleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman didn't think Love would be bought out. At the time, he spoke to The Athletic about the status of Love, saying:
"I have not been approached by them at all and I don't anticipate it either," he said. "It's not easy for Kevin, I'm sure. I've had conversations with him. He wants to play. I think he'll have an opportunity to play again this year. But where we're at now, I think [head coach J.B. Bickerstaff] is really comfortable with the rotation that we have."
The Lakers sit 13th in the stacked Western Conference with a 27-32 record. It will be interesting to see how the remainder of the season plays out. Between his veteran experience and his 3-point shooting, Love would be a valuable addition for the Lakers.