NBA trade rumors 2016: Can the Los Angeles Lakers afford Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook?
For the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant is an obvious target this offseason. Actually, so do other teams who have the necessary cap space with the Oklahoma City Thunder star expected to be the busiest cager once the current season comes to an end.
The Lakers could be a tempting destination for Durant, a team that will have no resident superstar with Kobe Bryant calling it a career at season's end. Also, one has to wonder if Kobe and KD have discussed anything, seeing how the two are a bit tight.
Nothing is sure for now and many are still playing the guessing game. Durant could opt to stay at Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) or see which other team provides him with the best option. One thing he will be looking for is a club that could possibly vie for an NBA title, something he will likely want.
Assuming he does land in Los Angeles, the Lakers are likely to have more salary room for one more. So with that in mind, why not go after another Thunder in Russell Westbrook the following year?
According to Stephen A. Smith via ESPN, seeing Russell follow Durant in El-Ay is a possibility. This is despite the belief of most that Westbrook would be looking to be the new star of the show for the Thunder if Durant does leave after this season.
But like Durant, Westbrook wants something that the former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) wants — an NBA title.
The Lakers have been known to achieve that by pulling some strings. With two big stars in tow, the only thing left would be proper player support.
Right now, that cannot be answered. The vets may be traded while the young crew (Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Larry Nance Jr.) could still be on board.
But will they connect with Byron Scott? That is another thing that may need to be addressed.
Scott hasn't really impressed with the development of these players so one has that feeling he doesn't even deserve to handle a star-studded team. He is likely to have issues with Durant and Westbrook, especially if the two don't sync in with the former Laker guard and current coach.
