Kevin Love has long been tied to the Los Angeles Lakers, since first declaring his unhappiness in Minnesota. One would think a season playing in Cleveland with LeBron James would fix all that, but he’s opted out of his deal to become a free agent, effective July 1.
-== Best Lakers Draft Pick & Free Agent Pairings ==-
This, via ESPN’s Marc Stein.
ESPN sources say Cavs forward Kevin Love has opted out of the final year of his contract and will be a free agent July 1
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 24, 2015
Love could obviously sign a one-year deal in Cleveland with a second year opt out so as to position himself for the insane TV deal money coming in 2016’s offseason. Though given how the year went, and all those darn Instagram pictures he was left out of, you just never know. (Only slightly sarcastic).
Cleveland has a few questions to answer, like whether Tristan Thompson is a better fit, or if Love is such a hindrance to the defense they might be better off without him. Both questions seem ridiculous, but when you consider James is as close to Thompson’s agent a teammate can be and the Cavs’ defense improved immensely with Love off the court, both issues need answering.
In terms of Love’s fit in Los Angeles, yes, he plays the same position as Julius Randle, but the Lakers are in no position to be too choosey with whomever they bring in. Randle could move to the bench, and assume a Lamar Odom-esque role, as Love starts alongside Jahlil Okafor (if he’s picked second) or whomever the Lakers start at center.
No matter what, though, this offseason just became a little more interesting.