At the moment, the NBA community is awaiting final word on LeBron James’ immediate future. A new report suggests that James will not only stay where he is, but that he will also be joined by a former teammate.
Appearing on Wednesday’s “NBA Today,” insider Marc J. Spears reported that James could be running things back with a five-time All-Star that he won a championship with.
“I’m hearing that one of his old teammates in Cleveland, Kevin Love, could likely be joining the Lakers too…I could see those two guys being reunited there.”
It was 10 years ago when the frontcourt tandem of James and Love helped the Cavaliers come back from a 1-3 series deficit to win the NBA championship. During their stint in Cleveland, Love provided floor spacing and crashed the boards to allow James and Kyrie Irving to push the pace.
For quite some time, the Lakers have been looking for quality bigs to compete with the formidable frontcourt of other playoff contenders. While the 37-year-old Love isn’t the physical presence that he used to be, his veteran smarts and relentlessness on the boards would nevertheless bode well for the Lakers.
From the looks of it, the wheels are in motion for James to compete in his 24th NBA season. Last week, there were reports that he and his agent Rich Paul would be asking for a max deal from the Lakers. Perhaps bringing in a former running mate in Love could expedite James’ decision-making this offseason.
LeBron James’ Co-Star Outlines Request for Next Season: “Mainly Shooters and a Big Man Who Can Run Pick-and-Roll”
For what it’s worth, Love fits the profile of what LeBron James’ co-star is looking for.
Speaking to reporters in Madrid as he toured with the Jordan Brand this week, Luka Doncic gave a vivid description of the teammates that he’d like to have on the Lakers roster this season.
“I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I can pass to him. If I have shooters, they won’t double me as much and it helps me out.”
As it so happens, Love was proficient with pick-and-rolls when he played alongside LBJ in Cleveland, getting defenders to scramble as his outside shooting was a potent threat. With James and Doncic handling the ball in LA, Love can open up a different dimension of the Lakers’ offense.
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