NBA Rumors: Why Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook Signing With Lakers Is A Real Possibility

NBA Rumors: Laugh if you want, but the rumor that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook could land with the Lakers in two years is a real possibility

Laugh if you want. Get them in now, because in two years, once Kevin Durant (again) and Russell Westbrook both hit unrestricted free agency, you won’t be.

That’s, of course, if you’re not a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. If you are, however, you could be feeling what Miami Heat fans experienced during that one summer night in 2010 – the night that changed the entire landscape of the NBA and the history of South Florida sports forever.

First things first, how are we going to get to the summer of 2017 with both Westbrook and Durant on the open market? It’s simple. Follow me.

The first thing that will happen is that Kevin Durant, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, will re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a 1+1 year contract – meaning that he’ll sign a two-year deal with a player option for 2017-18.

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Furthermore, that means that both Durant and Westbrook will be on (essentially) expiring contracts next season. That’s the simple part. That’s logical. Here’s where we begin to play the “what if” game.

IF the Thunder fails to win the NBA Championship again next season, because I don’t think anyone has them winning it this year, that’s when it’ll get really interesting.

Westbrook and Durant will both hit free agency without an NBA Championship during their first nine years together in OKC. That’s when they’ll come to the realization that it’s time for a change.

And while they could go their separate ways, there’s also a good chance that they could decide to play together in a different city, perhaps one that would be able to attract more free agents – in other words, a place like Los Angeles.

By that time, the Lakers would have developed a good portion of their young talent – D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and whoever they draft this year (assuming they retain the pick). And they could use those pieces to sign-and-trade for Durant and Westbrook, or they could simply use that talent to attract the duo to sign outright without the S&T.

Either way, in two years, the Lakers aren’t going to be the laughing stock of the NBA that they are today. And, because of all their developing talent, are going to be a viable landing spot for Durant and Westbrook, or any other top tier free agents looking for a change of scenery.

And maybe that’s the thinking when this report was leaked:

"[via ESPN 710, transcribed by the LA Examiner]Keep in mind this, one of the biggest reasons I’m told, that Kevin Durant may have the Lakers at the top of his list, is because the Lakers have been led to believe, by whom specifically I do not know, but the Lakers have been led to believe that it is a very good chance that the following year Russell Westbrook is coming….“It’s a big possibility,” Smith said. “It’s a big possibility.”"

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Yes it’s a rumor and there’s a lot that can happen between today and when Durant hits free agency this summer and when Westbrook gets free in two years. But you can’t deny the fact that it could happen. Los Angeles, sooner or later, will become a hot bed for free agents once again. It’s only a matter of time.

And after what we witnessed from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in 2010, we shouldn’t be surprised if Durant and Westbrook decide to team up for a team with brighter lights.

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