Kevin Durant: Future Lakers Free Agent Target?
By Mike Garcia
The Lakers can’t recruit Kevin Durant. Not yet at least. There are very specific rules about free agency and trying to beat other teams to the punch is no longer allowed. There is a time and season for it, and now isn’t that time.
But, you know it’s on the minds of both the Lakers franchise and their fans.
Nov 21, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Lakers 140-106. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers need a key franchise player, preferably in their prime, to make the Lakers competitive in the playoffs once again. Kevin Durant could be that guy.
"And while Bryant said he hasn’t yet recruited Durant, who is set to become a free agent in 2016, Bryant didn’t rule out trying to lure last season’s MVP to the Lakers either. “No, I think we know each other pretty well,.. He’s a constant learner like myself,” Kobe Bryant said of Kevin Durant. “I don’t think it’s a discussion that you have in terms of coming here. But I think it’s more of an understanding how to play with each other.” Said Bryant, “If the opportunity came up, then that’s the time to have that discussion.” – Baxster Holmes, ESPN.comFind out how Kevin Durant feels about playing alongside Kobe Bryant in the link."
If there is one player who can turn the franchise around, it is Kevin Durant. LeBron James has been in the East winning championships. Kevin Durant has always been the #2 guy. Perhaps a change of scenery would be best.
After all, the Lakers were the #2 team throughout the 1960’s, constantly facing the Boston Celtics and falling short against them in the Finals. Even Jerry West won a Finals MVP award in a losing manner. Yet, the Lakers found a way to win, and not only win more championships than the Celtics in the 1980’s, but in the 2000’s as well.
The organization knows how it feels to be an underdog team and succeed. Kevin Durant can relate to that. Hopefully in the future, they can help each other get over the hump.