Lakers Rumors: Kevin Love could become a target if Cavs collapse

There have been a plethora of new Lakers rumors after Kyrie Irving made his intents clear with the Cleveland Cavaliers. One man not mentioned is Kevin Love.

With all of the draft picks, trades and signings this NBA offseason, Kyrie Irving may have sent the biggest shock waves throughout the league. Irving reportedly requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, citing that he want’s to be the guy. In typical NBA ripple effect fashion, this has spawned the latest Lakers rumors.

Some of these Lakers rumors have spelled Irving himself to come to the Lakers. Despite having Lonzo Ball, the team could attempt to shift Irving to shooting guard, likely needing to give up the likes of Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle.

However, honestly, that is highly unlikely. What does seem more likely though is LeBron James potentially heading to Los Angeles. It may not happen now, but this fallout could accelerate King James’ seemingly inevitable arrival to Los Angeles. Wishful thinking, yes, but it is a realistic possibility as talks of him heading to LA have already laid the foundation.

There is another superstar on this Cleveland Cavaliers team that has seemingly been forgotten about amidst all of this speculation: Kevin Love.

Love has superstar potential and could be one of the top ten, fifteen, players in the entire league. We all saw what he could do in Minnesota when he is the number one option. However, many have forgotten truly how good he is as he plays third fiddle in Cleveland.

Irving will likely be the first one to go. The Cavs could trade Irving to a team such as the Timberwolves or Knicks, prompting Cleveland to get a star such as Andrew Wiggins or Carmelo Anthony. Heck, even LeBron could waive his no trade clause and allow Irving to be the star of the Cavs. Teams such as the 76ers or Celtics definitely have enough pieces to bring in James.

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This leaves Kevin Love, with many not really knowing what is in store for Love’s future. If the Cavs want to start from ground one they would deal all three stars, and form perhaps the best young core in basketball. However, no real suitors have stepped up to the plate for Love.

Despite this, we all know who the perfect suitor is. That is the Los Angeles Lakers, who could use Love’s star appeal to bring in Paul George after this season. George himself said he is out for a ring, bringing in Love would be enough to entice the star forward.

After all, Love did attend UCLA, the roots in Los Angeles are already planted. Love could join Ball, possibly even enticing UCLA teammate Russell Westbrook suit up in the purple and gold in the future (alright, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here).

The price the Lakers would have to pay may be somewhat hefty, but it certainly is doable. Los Angeles could send Luol Deng, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr and their 2019 first round pick in exchange for Love and Channing Frye.

This gives the Cavs a young guard, two young power forwards and a future first round pick in exchange for their two older forwards. Granted, this return would be the smallest of the three superstars being dealt, but it would be the start of forming a dynamic young unit.

Next: Three reasons why the Lakers should trade for Irving

As of now, all of these Lakers rumors are merely just talk. However, I don’t think we should be overlooking Kevin Love and his potential homecoming to Los Angeles.