The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly planning a massive move this offseason that may change the NBA landscape. According to recent reports, the Lakers are considering trading Austin Reaves and a package of assets to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for future Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant. If this deal is finalized, the Lakers might become an unstoppable force in the Western Conference.
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Lakers Eyeing Phoenix Suns' Star Kevin Durant
The Los Angeles Lakers created waves last month when they acquired Luka Doncic, partnering him alongside LeBron James to form one of the league's most dynamic duos. As Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World pointed out, "LeBron's ageless dominance paired with Luka's surgical offense has turned every Lakers game into a highlight reel. "However, the front office, led by Rob Pelinka, appears determined to push the team’s championship aspirations even further.
Kevin Durant, a four-time scoring champion and future Hall of Famer, has been linked to trade rumours as the Suns struggle for consistency. Despite his individual brilliance—averaging 26.9 points per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and 39.9% from three—the Suns' disappointing 29-34 record has spurred speculation of a rebuild.
Bitar added, “The idea of sending Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a package of picks to Phoenix might be just crazy enough to work.”
Kevin Durant's career has been characterized by both success and controversy. His 2016 decision to join the Warriors, who had just upset his Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, is still a divisive moment in NBA history. While he went on to win back-to-back championships and Finals MVP titles with the Warriors, his legacy has been debated ever since.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, acquiring Durant would form a "Big Three" of James, Doncic, and Kevin Durant, capable of dominating the NBA for years. Reaves, who has developed as Los Angeles' trustworthy third option this season, would be a major loss, but the opportunity to acquire a player of Durant's ability is uncommon. His perimeter shooting, along with Doncic's playmaking and James' overall brilliance, would make the Lakers practically unstoppable.