3 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers won’t trade for Kevin Durant
By Nick Halden
![Apr 23, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) takes a three point shot over Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports Apr 23, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) takes a three point shot over Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7ca60ff5ad4ad5ab45a79c4121a2f3e5561ffe04c2aad2e7e255d714d89ef66d.jpg)
1. What could the Lakers offer possibly offer the Nets?
The first and move obvious reason that Kevin Durant isn’t going to be putting on a Lakers uniform is the fact the team has used all of its assets to add Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. The decision to land Davis was well worth it landing the Lakers a championship and giving them their most relevant seasons since the late great Kobe Bryant retired.
Dealing for Westbrook was the regrettable move that has left the Lakers backed into a corner. The team has two tradable draft picks, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis. What combination of those is going to land one of the three best players in this league?
Even if the Lakers were willing to part ways with Davis why would the Nets accept his contract when they could get ascending young players and draft picks from another franchise? Durant is going to command a healthy return and the Lakers cannot compete with young teams willing to trade players and draft picks to land Durant.
The only trade that would make any sense whatsoever for the Nets is if the Lakers were willing to include LeBron James in a potential deal. Something that certainly won’t happen for a team looking to make one final push in the final year of LeBron’s deal. Los Angeles simply doesn’t have enough to join the race to acquire Durant.