The Los Angeles Lakers loom as a heavyweight in this season's free agency, which opened at midnight. The Lakers are expected to meet with all the big guns, including power forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love, small forward Tobias Harris, and guard Dwyane Wade. The flashiest name is Wade, but ESPN.com is reporting that the frontline is their focus.
Love has been linked to the Lakers in 2015 free agency since before he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the beginning of last year. In Cleveland Love became a clear third banana to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving; his usage dipped dramatically, his post touches dwindled, and his impact was mostly middling. Rumors swirled that he had trouble meshing with James off the court as well, and became aloof.
Love has consistently said he plans to return to Cleveland, however, and the Cavaliers can offer him a five-year, $115 million contract at the high end. Even in an off year, Love averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds while dealing with myriad injuries all season.
The Cavaliers can offer more money, but the Lakers offer the opportunity to be the lead dog on one of the NBA's most historic franchises. Kobe Bryant is the alpha in 2015-16, but he could retire at season's end, leaving the No. 1 slot to Love. In L.A. he will have the chance to play with 2015 No. 2 pick D'Angelo Russell, who projects to be a top-flight point guard for years to come. The only question mark fit-wise is how he could share the court with 2014 first-rounder Julius Randle, another offense-first power forward who offers little defensively.
If the Lakers were to land Love, it's possible that Randle may find himself on the trade block for help on the wing.
[ESPN]
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