It's never too early for the Lakers to start planning for free agency in 2018, especially with their recent record in whiffing on free agents.
Current Rockets star guard James Harden is scheduled to become available after the 2017 season, and Los Angeles could be in contention for his services, Fansided.com reports.
James Harden On Khloe Kardashian: "She's The One," Per Source
The 26-year-old Harden led Houston to the Western Conference finals last season and right now is much closer to a title than he would be with a lot of teams who would enquire about his services when he becomes a free agent.
Harden, who was born in Los Angeles, does have built-in enticements in transferring to the West Coast, according to FanSided:
Lamar Odom's Fatal Attraction For Khloe Kardashian May Scare Off James Harden
"As an L.A.-native, and a basketball connoisseur, James Harden would be joining one of the most storied franchises around," Fansided.com's report indicated. "By that time, the Lakers won't have a ball-hogging Kobe Bryant anymore enabling them to give Harden the amount of touches an offensive superstar of his caliber needs."
Harden, who already has been traded from the Thunder to the Rockets, might not have the loyalty to the franchise like a Bryant who has spent his entire, 19-year (and counting) career with the same team.
Harden could become the new face of the Lakers.
Then, there's the Khloe Kardashian factor. Kardashian lives in Los Angeles, and she and Harden have been dating since at least June - that's when news of their relationship became public.
Hollywoodlife.com recently reported that a source close to Harden said the hoops star thinks Kardashian could be "the one."
The other clubs Fansided.com listed as possible destinations for Harden are Miami and San Antonio, if he were to leave Houston.
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