5 Years After an Emotional Cavaliers Exit, LeBron James Set to Reunite With His NBA “Brother” at the Lakers

NBA offseason has once again come to our shores. The waves have been heavy again and the wind flow of rumors has tested even the hardest steel. We are just a month into the offseason and the flurry of league-defining news has sent shockwaves. There have been some bombastic trades already, Bradley Beal to the Suns, Jordan Poole to the Wizards, and Chris Paul to the Suns. 

Similarly, Lebron James’ ex-teammate is now seeking a change in jersey colors. And interestingly, this trade does involve a lot of numbers!

Two major suitors for the player

The Phoenix Suns now have four hefty contracts in their books. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal both earn around $46 million per year. Adding Booker’s $36 million per year and DeAndre Ayton’s $32 million pin them over the cap space, which is $134 million. These contracts add up to $162 million which means that the team has to trade DeAndre Ayton to make it work.

Even if he’s traded, they will have to craft mid-level exceptions and veteran-minimum type of contracts.

Kevin Love’s contract of around $3.7 million belongs to the veteran-minimum threshold. He will not stay with the Heat and the Suns are one of the suitors because of their financial crunch. The fit makes sense for both parties, with Love as a short-minute stretch-four for the Suns while he can pursue a championship alongside the trio of Booker, Durant, and Beal.

Apart from the Suns, the Lakers are also in the mix for signing the big. The Lakers have much more flexibility than the Suns, with only LeBron’s $48.5 million per year and Davis’ $37 million per year contracts in the supermax category.

Apart from these big two contracts, D’Angelo Russell is earning a $29 million contract. Offloading Mo Bamba and Malik Beasley’s contracts have opened up cap space of more than $30 million. 

They can use this cap space for signing a marquee player and use the mid-level exception to sign a strong role player. This still leaves room for Love’s contract. His connection with LeBron James and his veteran experience can help guide the likes of budding Forward Rui Hachimura. Therefore, the fit for the Lakers also makes sense.

LeBron James and Kevin Love have been comrades

Love was LeBron’s teammate for four years in the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading to four straight finals appearances and a title against the Warriors. Before Love took his talents to the Cavaliers, he was averaging more than 26 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves as their ace.

However, he preferred winning a title and being paired alongside King James and Kyrie Irving. He gave space to both the stalwarts. He played as a stretch-four, rebounder, and help defender who can make long outlet passes.

You can also read: “Sacrificed..their Dreams”: 3x All-Star Recounts “Bittersweet” Memories Days After Blockbuster Suns Trade

His scoring average dipped below 20 and he never went to his Wolves’ level.  In this light, LBJ has acknowledged his sacrifices and calls  Love his brother. Their last rodeo together was a sweep by the Warriors in the 2018 Finals when Kevin Durant and Steph Curry buried them quickly. 

Will these two brothers reunite in LA? Do share in the comments below. 

Watch this story: 8 Days After Declining $13,000,000, LeBron James’ Former Teammate Set to Join Forces With Draymond Green in a Thriving West Team