Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
If the Lakers are looking to acquire players that fit alongside James, Kevin Love would be the perfect acquisition. We already know they can play together.
In fact, they were teammates for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA championship run. Obviously, James was the team’s fulcrum, but Love played a vital role in his own right. He may be aging, but he’s still a great floor spacer and rebounder, and a surprisingly deft passer as well.
Love would likely play the role of sixth man (as he did in Cleveland last year), filling in at both the 4 and 5 for stretches.
After all, this deal has the Lakers acquiring a new starting center. As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jakob Poeltl ended up being the most impactful player they acquire in this deal.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In recent years, Poeltl has established himself as one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. By adding him, the Lakers would be going back to the twin towers model that helped win them an NBA title in 2020, with AD alongside him at the 4.
That’s a menacing defensive pairing, and the Lakers’ ability to sub Love in for either when the offense needs a boost would give them the versatility that modern contenders typically need.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
All told, this deal makes the Lakers better in 2022-23. Does it do the same for the Cavaliers?
