Should the Lakers Claim This Five-Time All-Star?
After being traded by the Miami Heat, there have been reports of Kevin Love wanting to go to either the Clippers or the Lakers. Love was traded to the Utah Jazz and has been seeking a buyout, which would make him a free agent. The former Power Forward from UCLA averaged a career low five points a game in only 23 games for the Heat last season. Whether he plays for the Utah Jazz or either L.A. team, he will be playing for his fourth team in his career. Being 36 years old and his career nearing its end, one has to think his next team will be his last. The question is whether the Lakers should claim him. So, what are the benefits and downsides of acquiring this version of Kevin Love?
It'll be the last time we see Love and LeBron James share the court as teammates in the NBA. One benefit is the nostalgia that will be there if the reunion does happen. Laker star Luka Doncic has mentioned wanting to win now and not wanting to wait for the right time. Adding a former NBA champion will be a much-needed veteran experience to an inexperienced roster. One of the downsides would be that Love, at this point in his career, won't add much in terms of playing. The grind of an NBA regular season doesn’t seem something Love can handle anymore, night in and night out for the team. Dealing with personal issues and failing to step up for the Heat is something the Lakers should consider before even considering a claim.
One other issue the Lakers have is their salary cap. Currently, they are over one million dollars away from this limit. They would need to release or waive a player to create a roster spot and money to claim him. There is value in bringing in a veteran big man who can shoot and make smart plays. It wouldn’t be to the Lakers' benefit throughout the season to take a roster spot from someone who is now in their prime, considering having an up-and-coming talented big man like Cole Swider, who they can bring up as well. The decision will have to come down to Love's remaining skill and health, and whether he is still durable. With such questions, I don’t think the Lakers should claim him and take the risk.
