Heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, Kevin Durant returns to the Oklahoma City Thunder after suffering a season-ending injury. While Durant’s focus will be on winning a championship, he will be surrounded with questions regarding his upcoming free agency.
During training camp, Durant addressed a report about the Los Angeles Lakers being his main destination if he leaves the Thunder. When asked about the report, Durant said the following to Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman:
Kevin Durant on the Lakers rumors: "I don't talk to Stephen A Smith at all. No one in my family, my friends do. So he's lying."
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 2, 2015
While the Lakers will have ample cap space to pursue free agents like Durant, they are still in the early stages of their rebuild. Although D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson make up a nice young core, their progression throughout this season will be a factor for free agents.
Although Durant will be the top free agent, Al Horford, Mike Conley and DeMar DeRozan are some of the players who are expected to hit free agency in 2016. However, the focus for the Lakers this season is competing for a playoff spot in Kobe Bryant’s 20th season.
