It reportedly isn't a secret among NBA executives that Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love wants to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015. Lakers guards Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, meanwhile, are expected to return on Jan. 28 against Indiana.
Love, a two-time NBA All-Star, can become a free agent in July 2015. Seemingly discontent in Minnesota, many expect talented big man to opt out of his contract then and test the market.
It's apparently no secret where Love wants to go, either.
"...Rival executives are skeptical that the Lakers would be willing to cut into future cap space, especially with an Eastern Conference executive telling CBSSports.com this week that 'everyone knows' 2015 free agent Kevin Love wants to sign with LA," NBA Insider Ken Berger wrote on Friday.
Love is due $15.7 million next season, and it's possible - if it becomes clear Love is leaving in July 2015 - the Timberwolves could look to trade him next year so he doesn't walk for free.
In the immediate future, the Lakers (14-22) could receive help in the backcourt with the returns of Bryant and Nash.
"(Lakers coach Mike) D'Antoni hopes Kobe, Nash return Jan. 28 vs. Indy, right after Lakers' 12-day road trip: 'Hopefully both of them are ready,'" Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times wrote on Friday.
Bryant, who hasn't yet participated fully in practice since his Dec. 17 knee injury, was initially given early February as a timetable for his return. The knee injury, a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau of his left knee, wasn't related to the Achilles tendon he tore in April.
Nash played in only six games this season while struggling with nerve root issues stemming from last year's broken leg.
The Lakers play the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
