The New York Knicks are set to play the Los Angeles Lakers tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET at the Staples Center in L.A., in what could be an audition for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love, set to be a free agent in 2015.
Lakers tried to trade for Love at deadline?
Love's having one of the best statistical seasons of his career, but for the sixth straight season it looks like he will be watching the playoffs from the comfort of his home. With 13 games left in the season for Minny, they are seven games back of the No. 8 seed and unlikely to make the postseason.
The wear of losing has become evident in Love--just watch this postgame interview Love gave reporters following a 17-point drubbing vs. the Memphis Grizzlies that saw Love score just 16 points with eight rebounds.
Love hasn't been happy since 2012, when he wasn't given a max contract by the Timberwolves and was insulted by the team owner.
"I don't know who labels people stars, but even [T'wolves owner] Glen Taylor said: I don't think Kevin Love is a star, because he hasn't led us to the playoffs," Love told Yahoo! Sports. "I mean, it's not like I had much support out there. That's a tough pill to swallow."
Love's supporting cast has been subpar again this year, with point guard Ricky Rubio proving his inability to make outside shots, Kevin Martin's 3-point shooting has dipped, and the team has struggled to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Ever since then he's been linked to the Lakers; Love was born in Santa Monica California and in college he starred at UCLA.
The Lakers' collapse, combined with Kobe Bryant's age and injuries, have opened the door for the New York Knicks to be a contender. However, they're having a hard time keeping their own star, Carmelo Anthony happy. This month they hired 11-time champion coach Phil Jackson to run their basketball operations, which may convince 'Melo to stay and recruit Love to the Big Apple.
When asked recently about Love coming to New York, Anthony offered effusive praise. "He's a guy who, he became a stretch-4. He never was a stretch-4 before," Anthony said.
"He worked on his shot. He worked on his three-ball. He worked on stretching the floor, spreading floor out. He can also go inside. He's one hell of a rebounder. He's a big load. He's a guy who got better every year since he's been in the league and still he's improving now."
Either way, tonight's matchup could be an audition of sorts--Minnesota doesn't have a game tonight so he might be watching.
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