NBA Free Agents Rumors: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook Moving to Los Angeles Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have a chance to land both Oklahoma City Thunder superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in the next two years.
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN fueled the speculation anew after he appeared on Mason and Ireland show on Friday. Smith remained firm that the Lakers have a chance to acquire Durant, when he becomes a free agent this summer.
Smith added in the recent interview that Durant is also interested in signing with the Lakers because he could still team up with Westbrook, when the All-Star guard becomes a free agent in 2017.
"Keep in mind this, one of the biggest reasons I'm told, that Kevin Durant may have the Lakers at the top of his list, is because the Lakers have been led to believe, by whom specifically I do not know, but the Lakers have been led to believe that it is a very good chance that the following year Russell Westbrook is coming," Smith said.
According to NJ.com, the Lakers will be in a good position to acquire Durant because they will have enough cap space this summer with the expected increase in salary cap. Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has also announced his retirement, giving the Lakers more cap room to sign a marquee player.
If the Lakers successfully sign Durant, Westbrook could follow suit in 2017. Smith turned down speculation that Durant and Westbrook prefer to part ways, citing sources who said that the two superstars want to continue playing together even in a different team.
"This notion that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook ain't tight, that they don't want to play with each other, that is a lie," Smith said. "They love each other and they love being on the same team with one another. And if it so happens to be in the LA market, all the better."
Aside from the Lakers, the Washington Wizards are also expected to make a strong push to sign Durant this summer. But while the homecoming pitch could sway Durant to move to the Wizards, Washington Post reported that the possibility of seeing Durant play for his hometown team is becoming slim because of their current 21-25 record.
The New York Knicks, who are also one of the teams that will likely make big splash in free agency this summer, were also mentioned as possible destination for Durant. The superstar recently praised Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis, and has a good relationship with Carmelo Anthony and coach Derek Fisher, Newsday reported.
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