With the Lakers looking to rebuild and Kevin Love becoming a free agent in 2015, there has been speculation for most of the season that the current Timberwolves All-Star forward will eventually make his way to Los Angeles.
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According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Lakers may attempt to use this year’s high lottery draft pick in June to assemble a package for Love:
“The suggestion is already in circulation that the Lakers will attempt to use their forthcoming high lottery pick in June to assemble the sort of trade package that finally convinces the Wolves to part with Love and end the uncertainty that hangs over this franchise even before the 25-year-old enters the final year of his contract. Yet there is just as much defiance emanating from Minnesota, as we speak, about the Wolves’ ability to keep Love in town.”
While numerous executives believe Love will eventually join the Lakers, he mentioned in an interview with GQ Magazine in February that the Timberwolves have the better team and foundation.
With the Lakers eliminated from the playoffs in March and the Timberwolves failing to meet their playoff expectations this season, major changes could be in store for both franchises. Although many believe it will realistically take at least two seasons for the Lakers to rebuild into a championship contender again, Kobe Bryant’s recent comments may have forced the front office’s hand.
With ample cap room and a lottery pick in this year’s highly anticipated draft, it will be interesting to see what direction the Lakers decide to take.
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