5 Dream Targets For Los Angeles Lakers In 2017 NBA Free Agency

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Durant, SF, Golden State Warriors

This is a no-brainer, right? If Kevin Durant is actually testing the waters, just about every NBA team with the cap space will be hoping to land a meeting with him. Obviously the Lakers would have to be in the mix.

Los Angeles put their feelers out to Durant last offseason when he was available. However, the elite forward ultimately opted to avoid a meeting with the Lakers, eventually signing with the Golden State Warriors.

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While chances are he signed a deal with a player option for 2017-18 for financial reasons, that doesn’t mean he won’t see what opportunities are out there come July.

Maybe the Lakers’ improved direction is enough to convince him to give LA a long look? Maybe Magic being at the helm will give him enough reason to agree to a meeting? It’s a long shot, but it’s not completely out of the question.

Especially if Durant wins a ring this year, that itch will be scratched. Then, he could turn his attention to helping one of the NBA’s most storied franchises get back to their glory days.

Durant could certainly fill Kobe Bryant‘s massive shoes, which seem likely to go unfilled for at least another season or two.

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Finding the cap space to land Durant would also be difficult. However, if the Lakers could find a way to unload some of their pricier contracts, they could make enough space to accommodate Durant’s needs. It’s a crazy idea, but you must remember that these are “dream” scenarios.