Lakers Rumors: Superstar targets that could be Plan B if not Paul George
By Jason Reed
Pick Analysis. . Small Forward. Kevin Durant. Scouting Report. 35. player. 41
Okay, this one may be the most far-fetched target the Lakers could have, but man would it be an epic acquisition for the Warriors. Perhaps there is a reason that the Warriors are pursuing George, maybe the team knows something that we don’t. Maybe after this season, with Klay Thompson becoming eligible for a contract extension, Durant could take his rings out of Golden State and lead his own team, being paid record money in the process.
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Durant did take a significant pay cut to play with the Warriors, signing a two-year deal after Steph Curry’s record-setting contract. Durant, who is being paid $25 million, is easily a $40 million player. There is a reason that he wanted the player option after that season, potentially signaling a future move.
This may be why the Lakers are trying so hard to free cap space for next offseason. As of now, they will have $40 million freed up. If they can get rid of Luol Deng, they will have just under $60 million. It is very strange that the Lakers would want to free up that much space unless they have big things planned.
Durant could come in and play power forward or even shooting guard for the Lakers, he has shown his versatility to do so on both the Thunder and Warriors. This allows Brandon Ingram to develop and could fill the potential hole if the Lakers package Julius Randle with Luol Deng.
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Again, this is pretty unlikely and at this point is mere fantasy booking, but the possibility is there. Why else would the Warriors be interested in another small forward in Paul George?