Feb 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) dribbles on Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) in the second quarter at Target Center. Minnesota wins 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Many assumed that, at the trade deadline, the Lakers would be sellers, dealing away any valuable pieces for assets to rebuild heading into the summer. However, they may be preparing a blockbuster deal for a superstar caliber player.
The Lakers and Kevin Love have long been rumored matches, but most thought it wouldn’t be a possibility until Love reaches free agency in the summer of 2015. However, the team may be putting together a possible package for the former UCLA big man.
According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the Lakers and Mavericks are both making attempts to acquire the All-Star power forward from the Timberwolves.
"Love will be a free agent in 2015, and it is widely known around the league that he and his agent, New York-based Jeff Schwartz, are determined to get him to a major market. The Lakers, Love’s first choice, “have the best shot” of landing the Southern California native, one person familiar with the player’s thinking said."
The problem lies with the Lakers lack of assets. No singular player nor any package of players the Lakers could assemble would match the quality of Love. Even more, the Lakers can not trade this year’s draft pick without acquiring a second pick. A pick swap between the two could be a possibility, but the difference in the positioning for the Lakers pick and the ‘Wolves pick likely would not be enough.
But if we’ve learned anything in the recent years, it’s to not doubt Mitch Kupchak.