As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are making headlines with the possibility of a reunion with veteran forward Kevin Love. The five-time All-Star is reportedly interested in joining forces with LeBron James once again, aiming for one last shot at an NBA championship. This potential move comes as the Lakers are focused on a win-now mentality, especially with LeBron entering his 23rd season and showing no signs of slowing down.
Despite being 40 years old, LeBron continues to deliver impressive performances, making the Lakers a team to watch. With Luka Doncic now locked into an extension with the Dallas Mavericks, the pressure is on the Lakers to capitalize on their championship window. The addition of Love could provide the team with the veteran leadership and experience needed to make a deep playoff run.
Love is currently with the Utah Jazz but is seeking a buyout to facilitate his move to either the Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers. His priority appears to be reuniting with LeBron, with whom he won a championship in 2016 while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The duo’s chemistry on the court has been well-documented, and Love’s championship pedigree could be invaluable to a Lakers team that includes several star players but is looking for the right pieces to complement them.
However, the financial aspect of this potential reunion poses a challenge. Both the Lakers and Clippers are operating close to the NBA’s second apron, which limits their salary cap flexibility. According to Spotrac, the Lakers are just $1.1 million short of the hard cap, meaning Love would likely need to accept a veteran’s minimum contract to make the move feasible.
Despite these hurdles, the fit between Love and the Lakers makes sense. A Los Angeles native who played college basketball at UCLA, Love has long expressed a desire to finish his career in his hometown. His experience and ability to stretch the floor could provide the Lakers with much-needed depth, especially as they aim to compete for another title.
The next steps depend on timing and negotiations between Love and the Jazz regarding his buyout. If successful, this reunion would not just be a return to familiar ground for Love but also a strategic move that could help the Lakers in their pursuit of another championship. As the NBA landscape continues to shift, fans will be eagerly watching how this story unfolds in the coming weeks.