The Los Angeles Lakers may attempt to bring Kevin Love to Southern California if LeBron James elects to re-sign with the franchise, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
James, 41, is an unrestricted free agent for the first time in several years, leaving the Lakers’ summer plans in flux. Spears said on ESPN on June 17, 2026, that the four-time NBA champion is “likely coming back” and added that Love “could likely be joining the Lakers too.”
Love, 37, won the 2016 NBA title alongside James with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6-foot-8 forward spent last season with the Utah Jazz, appearing in 35 games and starting five. He averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 16.6 minutes while shooting 37.3 percent from three-point range during his 19th NBA campaign.
Los Angeles has traditionally filled out its roster with experienced players, and Love would satisfy that preference. However, the five-time All-Star is not expected to log heavy minutes at this stage of his career, so his potential signing would be aimed more at providing leadership and depth than solving the team’s need for a primary center.
The Lakers have recently emphasized player development as a response to the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Adding another veteran would depart from that strategy but could help convince James to accept a contract that leaves the club additional financial flexibility for the 2026-27 season.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic has described this offseason as “critical” for Los Angeles after the team fell short of a championship in 2025-26. The All-NBA guard said failing to capture the title classified last season as disappointing and stressed that significant upgrades are necessary this summer.
The Lakers’ decisions on James and a possible reunion with Love are expected to shape the rest of the franchise’s roster moves in the coming weeks.
Source: LakersNation.com
