NBA
Both LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to tons of rumors already this offseason. It’s widely known the President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers, Magic Johnson, is looking to acquire superstar talent this summer. The Lakers are doing whatever it takes to land James in free agency. They’re also trying to land San Antonio Spurs star forward Kawhi Leonard and Oklahoma City Thunder star forward Paul George.
Today on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith reported something very interesting. He reported James reached out to Golden State Warriors star forward Kevin Durant about joining him in Los Angeles. Here’s what Smith said this morning on First Take:
James is likely doing his due diligence just in case the Lakers don’t land either Leonard or George. As for Durant, he’s in a great situation with the Warriors. Durant has Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, and others to play with. He’s also now a two-time defending champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP with them.
Another reason is if Durant were to shock everyone and join the Lakers, it wouldn’t be a good look for him. We all know Durant, along with James, care what others think. It also would be a bad look for him because he has two rings, but hasn’t won one being the man on his team. It also wouldn’t be a good look on James’ part either.
Folks would see it as the man who recruited the same player that’s bested him in two straight finals matchups. Both players know if they decide to join forces In Los Angeles, it would be James’ team and Durant would be playing second fiddle to him. Barring anything crazy happening behind the scenes, expect Durant to remain in the Bay Area.
