Like most NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers were in the Kevin Love sweepstakes, but now that the Golden State Warriors are the favorite to land the Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star, L.A. could be out of the running.
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Multiple sources reported that if the Timberwolves decide to part ways with Love -- which remains up in the air -- the Warriors are the favorites to land him in a deal, leaving L.A. on the outside looking in.
Love is expected to test free agency in the 2015 season and has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't intend to stay in Minnesota and re-sign with them come 2015.
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The Lakers were interested in making a deal for him if the trade was right, but it remained doubtful that Los Angeles had the assets to pull off a swap. L.A. could still swoop in next summer and try and ink the Santa Monica native to a deal.
The Timberwolves have reluctantly been taking calls on their franchise player as they would like to re-sign him next year but also don't want to risk losing him for no reason. With Love being intent on leaving Minnesota next summer, the wheels are turning on a deal.
The Lakers are one of a reported 16 teams interested in Love and the All-Star called the New York Knicks an "intriguing" option due to Phil Jackson being brought in as team president, but New York likely would have to wait until 2015 as they may lack the necessary trade chips to pull off a swap.
Love is tired of losing as Minnesota has failed to make the playoffs in all six seasons that Love has been on the team and 10 consecutive seasons overall. Love averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game on the 2013-14 campaign as Minnesota finished 40-42 this past season.
The Lakers are looking to restock their team through the NBA Draft and free agency in order to bounce back from a franchise-worst 27-55 season where Los Angeles missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. L.A. has the No. 7 pick in next week's draft.
Los Angeles is in the midst of a coaching search following the resignation and $2 million buyout of Mike D'Antoni after a tumultuous and injury-riddled season.
The Lakers were hopeful to land Love and they still may in the summer of 2015, but if the Timberwolves opt to make a deal it will likely be with the Warriors.
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