Kevin Love (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers could revisit trade talks for Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, who remains a possible trade piece for the defending champs this season.
The Lakers have been linked to another blockbuster trade involving Cavs' All-Star forward Kevin Love. In the rumored three-team deal reported by the Inquisitr, the Lakers would acquire Love from the Cavs and Dario Saric from the Philadelphia 76ers, while Cleveland receives Nerlens Noel, Jose Calderon and Lou Williams. Completing the trade is the 76ers getting D'Angelo Russell and Nick Young from the Lakers.
Such blockbuster deal is highly unlikely to happen, particularly on the side of the Lakers, who seem committed to developing their young talents, including Russell. But acquiring Love is a possibility, which may also benefit the Lakers in many levels.
Love, a California native who also played college basketball in UCLA, has been long considered as an endearing target for the Lakers. Love is often an awkward fit in Cleveland, and while the three-time All-Star has contributed to the Cavs' first title, he is still expendable, especially if the Cavs struggles to remain a dominant force in the league.
The Lakers are already stacked with young talented big men, with Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. set to play plenty of minutes at the four spot, while summer acquisitions Yi Jianlian could also earn some playing time at the power forward position. But none of these bigs could stretch the floor, and with Luke Walton coaching, an outside threat at the said position is desirable.
Love's one-way game has limited his role with the Cavs, but he could once again flourish playing alongside the Lakers' core of young talents. With an NBA championship in his record, Love's experience could also help establish back a winning culture in Los Angeles.
But Love's value is more than just the stats he could contribute for the Lakers on the court.
The Lakers have plenty of potential All-Stars in Russell, Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram. But none of those names are likely to immediately rise to their potential in one season. It would probably take the Lakers four or five years to have their home-grown All-Star carrying the Purple and Gold brand. And without a star of their own means less leverage in luring top names in free agency.
Adding Love would help the Lakers recruit top talented stars in the foreseeable summers. Love's presence would be a good start in pitching for the likes of Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Paul George.
Any potential deal for Love would likely require the Lakers to give up one of their young talents. If they could get the Cavs biting at a package of Randle, Nick Young and Lou Williams, it is something the Lakers should consider. And while there are no indications of mutual interests from both teams yet, anything can happen in the NBA.
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