With Kobe Bryant announcing his retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without a franchise player after this season.
And with that on the table, there is one person that comes to mind — Kevin Durant.
Durant is the big name player set to hit the free agent market in summer and from all indications, the Lakers will make an aggressive push for the former National Basketball Association (NBA) NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Even though Bryant's imminent departure could be more than enough to make that happen, the fact remains that rebuilding a championship-caliber team does not include Durant alone. More players will be needed but in order for the Lakers to make that happen, some players will have to be dealt.
The young trio of Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell, and Julius Randle could end up as trade bait despite recurring claims that the Lakers see them as the club's future players.
Clarkson has proven himself, while Randle has been coming on to his own this season. Sadly, the same cannot be said for Russell who has been constantly kept in cold storage by head coach Byron Scott.
So if there are any players moving soon, it could be Clarkson and/or Randle. Russell could be packaged with either but he alone will unlikely draw any suitor.
Hence, it may end up as a complete overhaul yet again for the Lakers but with bigger stakes. There hardly seems a money issue with Bryant out, although there is still Nick Young who has a fat contract in tow.
It remains to be seen if Durant would be interested in the move to Hollywood, although such could be epic.
And if the Lakers are wise, they may want to look into other possible free agents such as perhaps Al Horford, Kent Bazemore, Joakim Noah, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside, Rajon Rondo, and maybe even Elijah Millsap.
Of the mix, James, Howard and Wade look interesting. Howard did leave the Lakers unceremoniously but with Bryant out, who knows?
James could considered it if he finally delivers the NBA title for the Cavs, while Wade could finally get a secure contract with proper pay.
