Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (Photo : Reuters/ Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
The Kevin Love to Los Angeles Lakers scenario may not just be another free-agency rumor, as Brian Windhorst of ESPN via Real GM said he was told by multiple sources about the All-Star forward's preference to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the purple-and-gold this offseason.
During a podcast session with Grantland NBA editor Zach Lowe, Windhorst disclosed some of the information he gathered regarding Love's status with the Cavaliers, who are two games away to punching their ticket to the NBA finals despite missing his service.
According to the NBA insider, every NBA executive and individuals believed to have close association with Love expect the big man to bolt out of Cleveland at the end of this season. In addition, all of these sources are saying that the Lakers will be his preferred destination among other potential suitors.
Lowe said the Lakers' mere presence alone in the free-agency market is already intimidating, making everybody think they have all the resources and influence to get Love on board. The Grantland writer even called it the Lakers boogeyman effect.
"Part of what's going on there is the Lakers' boogeyman," said Lowe. "They don't just say he's out of there, they say 'He's going to the Lakers.' That has much to do with the fear people have of the Lakers as it does with Kevin Love."
Armed with a cap room that could reach as high as $28 million (Contingent on their decision to exercise Jordan Hill's second year option worth $9MM), the Lakers have the ability to offer a max deal to Love, who has already been linked to the purple-and-gold even prior to his trade to the Cavaliers last summer.
Love, who finished the season with 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, has shown in some occasions his displeasure of playing as the third wheel to Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, and this alone could factor in to his decision.
Although Lowe and Windhorst remain skeptical on the prospect of seeing Love in purple-and-gold jersey, the Lakers will stick to their plan of going full throttle in their pursuit for an elite level big man starting on July 1. Love is expected to be on top of their list.
