Lakers Rumors: Kevin Love Injury Could Bode Well For LA

For the past few years, the Kevin Love to the Lakers rumors have been constant. Even though Love was traded just this past summer, many league executives still believe the former UCLA standout will eventually end up back in Los Angeles.

-== Is History on Lakers Side for No. 1 Pick? ==-

Love has struggled to fit in during his time with Cleveland as head coach David Blatt still hasn’t figured out how to properly use the three time All-Star. Numerous reports indicated that Love intends to opt-out of his contract and test the free agent market this summer.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Lakers are favorites to land Love, however, Boston is next on Love’s preferred list of destinations.

"“Boston has been no sure thing to lure Love, but it had a better shot than most had believed. If Love left the Cavaliers, the Celtics had closed the gap on the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”"

Boston had shown immense interest in Love this past summer but were unable to offer the Timberwolves the assets they were looking for in a trade. As we all know, the Cavs ended up trading the past two No. 1 overall selections in Anthony Bennet and Andrew Wiggins to obtain Love in late August.

Although the Celtics had been making progress in catching up with the Lakers, their momentum may have been cut short on Sunday afternoon. Celtic forward Kelly Olynyk and Love got tangled going for a rebound, with Love ultimately separating his shoulder. After the game, Love said he believed Olynyk tried to hurt him on purpose.

This incident, according to Wojnarowski, may cause Love to reconsider his thoughts of joining the Celtics in free agency.

"“It is only natural that if Love lost something significant in Boston – his season, for instance – embracing a free-agent move to the Celtics could be complicated, if not completely compromised. Love left the Garden with legitimate loathing of the Celtics on Sunday, and how that lasts could shape the future of the Cavaliers and Celtics.”"

The Cavaliers have yet to announce the diagnosis on Love, as he is seeking a second opinion, but if the former All-Star did indeed suffer a long term injury, his intent to join the Celtics may subside. Even better for the Lakers, is the fact that Love would be away from the Cavaliers, further distancing himself from a team where he already feels like an outsider.

The Lakers have a lot of issues to address this offseason but landing a perennial All-Star in Love would be a step in the right direction. Should the rumors hold true, the Lakers would welcome Love back to Los Angeles with open arms.

Next: NBA Rumors: Will LaMarcus Aldridge Leave Portland?

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