Long live the Los Angeles Laker history of luring superstar big men away from their small-market teams.
They have done it before, history and hints say they will do it again.
There is a reason why Kevin Love went all Dikembe Mutombo on a possible contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And, I swear, if I hear someone else say it is only because he wants to cash in on the new TV deal, I might just go full-on Ron Artest circa the “Malice at the Palace.”
Basketball wise, it does not make any sense for Love to do LeBron James like Timberlake did Spears – though James shaving his head might actually help his image.
I mean, why leave James and Kyrie Irving, who could potentially be the best point guard in the NBA soon, for Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle? That is pretty much all L.A. has going for it right now.
It would be hard for Kevin Love to leave the company of LeBron James. Photo by Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Some would argue Los Angeles has been Love’s numero uno since day one. He went to UCLA. He is from Santa Monica, Calif. The guy literally grew up watching Shaq and Kobe, and now, he has the chance to play with Bryant.
And now there is talk about Rajon Rondo taking his talents to Tinsel Town too? Now that would be fun to watch.
With a pass-happy Rondo, maybe Love gets a few more chances to get buckets. After all, that is what Uncle Drew said it is all about.
Nobody in his or her right mind would rather play with Bryant than with James. I get that. But Love cannot make this decision for James. He has to make the decision for himself.
Bryant is 36, but he is still in phenomenal shape. What a lineup that would be, huh?
Point Guard – Rondo
Shooting Guard – Bryant
Small Forward – Literally anyone with a basic concept of defense
Power Forward – Love
Center – Randle
Of course Randle might become a casualty of Love and/or Rondo going to L.A., but at the risk of sounding like a preteen, “whatevs.”
Even when Bryant does retire, it is not like the Lakers will stop being the Lakers.
Kevin Love’s future might be tied to another Kevin. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
And what a coincidence it is Bryant’s contract ends the same year as Kevin Durant. Okay, now I am just screwing with you all.
Personally, I believe Durant both signs with the Washington Wizards and posts some gigantic billboard transforming the entire league into an active volcano of emotion with his version of the “I’m coming home” letter, or he stays in Oklahoma City to play Doodle Jump with Russell Westbrook.
But do not put it past the Lakers and the lesser of the Buss siblings to sign Durant or make a big splash. That would not make Love look like a fool anymore, now would it?
At the end of the day, I do not imagine he will leave “The Land,” as it has become known as. Do you know how long it would take him to drive to the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame from Los Angeles? I mean, he cannot leave Cleveland now. He would have to give up his season tickets to the Browns and Indians – the horror.
The Cavaliers are on the brink of being the most dangerous team ever to play.
Take a look at the super teams of the past. The Boston Celtics came together well into their thirties, and had Rondo not evolved into the beast he is, they would have never been as good as they were.
The Miami Heat would have been better if it did not try to turn Chris Bosh into something he is not – a spot up artist. And Wade’s degenerative knees did not help either.
But the Cavaliers, man, they have something cooking. Irving is 22, Love is 26 and James is 29. Guys, it does not get any better than that. If Love re-signs with Cleveland – James has to stay after the show he just put on – then they will form the NBA’s version of The Avengers.
Anderson Varejao is not a slouch either. He brings the right intensity and defensive prowess required to supplement a cast of superstars. Dion Waiters might be the black sheep here, but trading him solve that.
Money is the underlying issue here. Irving has his $90 million coming to him. James is going to get his money. Love might have to take the Bosh route and sign for a little less than the max if he stays in Cleveland. L.A. cannot offer him as much though. The Lakers also cannot give him a fifth year – something he might want being he will be on the wrong side of 30 when his next contract ends.
Love to the Lakers rumors will never die because they’re far too sexy for us to resist.
Think of how interesting it would be to see Bryant get his sixth ring. Love could be the one to finally even Bryant with the man from Chicago.
Long live the Love to the Lakers talk. It’s the drama that makes Hollywood so great.
