Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Top Priority Free Agents

2. Kevin Durant

I know there’s not much of a chance that this is going to happen but if there is a chance, the Lakers need to jump on it.

Multiple sports media outlets have fanned the flames of rumors that Durant might be interested in coming to L.A. should he decide to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason. However, reports of the reigning champs gearing up to make a run at the 27-year-old superstar have since turned such rumblings into mere whispers.

Of course, almost every team in the association with a reasonable amount of funds will be making a run at Durant this summer. However, the Lakers have a unique capability that other teams may not — they’ll have the cap space to potentially sign another big time free agent either this summer or the next to accompany Durant.

This may end up being an essential factor in the pitch to Durant as some have reported his desire to have teammate Russell Westbrook join him wherever he lands, despite the latter remaining adamant that he does not want to play for the Lakers:

If the Lakers manage to beat out a number of contenders and land the biggest free agent in this year’s class, they’ll be getting one of the five best players in the league and a player capable of bring star power and veteran leadership to a young team.

Next: Keeping A Keeper