If there is one remaining concern for the Los Angeles Lakers as the 2025-26 season nears, it is the lack of depth at the power forward and center positions. A lack of size is exactly what bounced Los Angeles from the playoffs a season ago, but the Lakers have appeared content to acquire Deandre Ayton and otherwise sit back and hope for the best. Jaxson Hayes was brought back as well, making the offseason all the more underwhelming. If the franchise is going to add any further to the position,it is going to be a bargain bin option.
This enters Kevin Love into the equation, with Hoopsrumors reporting that the veteran isn't expected to begin the season with the Utah Jazz. The big man has previously spent time on the same team as James, winning a championship in Cleveland as the third-best player behind James and Kyrie Irving. While these days are long behind the former star, there is no question he would be a depth upgrade for the Lakers.
Former LeBron James Teammate Kevin Love Could Become Surprise Lakers Preseason Target
Even with Love at this late stage of his career, it is impossible not to believe that you don't get more out of him than Alex Len or Hayes. These were the two centers the Lakers were forced to play in the playoff hunt and in a frustrating first-round exit. It isn't hard to argue adding the size to the end of the bench and the veteran leadership and presence. Love is an NBA champion who understands what it means to deal with the pressures of playing under LeBron.
Having this brings an incredible level of value, even if Love isn't able to contribute to the back of the rotation. The last time the Lakers won the NBA Championship, they had a roster full of these types of players helping set a tone for the younger pieces and keeping the bench engaged and ready at a moment's notice. All adding up to a clear reason for the Lakers to attempt to land the former star player.
Love joined the Jazz as part of a three-team deal that ended with John Collins heading to the Clippers and Norman Powell joining the Miami Heat. The NBA champion was thrown into the deal to help make the salaries work with Utah, never truly having any interest in keeping him in the rotation for a rebuilding roster. With this in mind, it doesn't come as a surprise that the Jazz have been consistently exploring a buyout with the forward since making the move.
Denver was pointed to as a potential landing spot when the buyout eventually happens for all the same reasons outlined above. The Nuggets could likely offer Love a depth rotational role, but the Lakers should be more enticing for a veteran who understands the power of playing on one of the league's prestige franchises. No question, if Love hits the market, the Lakers shouldn't hesitate to pounce on what is a perfect fit.