Most pundits are predicting Kevin Durant to stay in Oklahoma City with a slim chance of going back home to Washington, DC.
But according to Stephen A. Smith in the ESPN "First Take" podcast, the former MVP's main option is actually the Los Angeles Lakers. This was chronicled by Larry Brown Sports. (video h/t Black Sports Online)
"Regardless of how senseless it may (sound), in one breath I'm hearing that if Kevin Durant doesn't stay in Oklahoma City, L.A. is his primary objective and landing spot as opposed to South Beach or even his home of Washington, D.C.," Smith said.
The proverbial grain of salt should be taken with any of Stephen A. Smith's claims, as he also mentioned that Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant would end up with the New York Knicks.
"I heard Melo, Kevin Durant, Kobe," Smith hastily continued: "And when you take into account that Phil Jackson is on the record saying it might be Kobe's last year in L.A. - opening the door that there are possibilities for him to go elsewhere. All I'm saying is you just never know."
LBS continues to doubt the idea that KD would consider the Lakers, especially if Kobe Bryant stays beyond 2016.
"The most likely scenario is that Durant stays in Oklahoma City. But if he did sign with the Lakers, we highly doubt it would be to team up with Bryant. That would be a more realistic option if Kobe ends up retiring."
Smith reiterated that these are not his personal musings but actually "what he's hearing" but he never mentioned his sources. He also admits it's unlikely to happen but he has also mentioned some crazy-sounding claims which were later confirmed. He did not give examples of those in the podcast.