NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Lure Kevin Durant With Russell Westbrook Package; OKC Vet Favors Golden State Warriors

By Mitch de Leon
Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant
Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has been quite a loyal son to Oklahoma City. Starting off his professional career with the then Seattle Supersonics, the small forward is the indubitable leader of the NBA team. The inclusion later on of Russell Westbrook only pushed Durant to carry the Oklahoma City Thunder to the championship. However, the NBA team has repeatedly failed to take home the trophy - only going as far as the playoffs year after year.

With the impending free agency of Durant, some basketball teams have been reportedly gearing up to sign the NBA star. The list of interested parties includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns. However, a unique offer is coming from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The departure of Kobe Bryant from the NBA team leaves a gaping hole in the mentor department. Young stars like D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Larry Nance, Jr are in dire need of a veteran guide in the hardwood court. With the substantial cap space that Bryant's exit will provide, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be more than capable of offering Durant a huge paycheck.

However, salary appears not to be the main selling point of the Los Angeles Lakers. Sources revealed that Durant is getting lured into the Black Mamba's squad through a package deal involving Westbrook.

"Keep in mind this," said Stephen A. Smith in the Mason and Ireland show. "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."

"Because of that, this notion that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook ain't tight, that they don't want to play together, that is a lie. They love each other, and they love being on the same team with one another," Smith added. "And if it so happens to be in the L.A. market, all the better. I'm not saying that it's done, I'm not saying that they said they're going to leave Oklahoma City, but it's a big possibility. It's a big possibility."

Meanwhile, another NBA team is emerging as serious contenders for Durant's free agency. Reports revealed that the Golden State Warriors are aggressively seeking ways to sign the Oklahoma City Thunder star. While the NBA community rejects the notion of Durant joining Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, the idea might not be as farfetched as it seemed at the start of the NBA season.

"We obviously have a very appealing and attractive team and organization," said Joe Lacob The Vertical. The Golden State Warriors owner added, "We have a team - and a team concept. We're proud of that. Proud of the way the coaching staff coaches that way, the players play that way. And our leader, Steph, epitomizes that. I do think that they all just want to win. That's our mantra for the whole organization. I think anybody could feel comfortable coming onto this team."

"We're all about winning," Draymond Green told Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. "One thing guys on this team don't care about is who is getting the shots, or who is scoring. Guys definitely want to play here, play with us. We're smiling. We're having fun. You can tell that. I definitely think it's become one of those places where guys will want to play."

It is no secret that Durant has been gunning for an NBA championship. Crowned as the NBA MVP a couple of times, the only thing missing for the Oklahoma City Thunder star is the championship trophy. Hence, the allure of the Golden State Warriors - a potential back-to-back champion - is reportedly to great to resist for Durant. Moreover, the Harrison Barnes appear to be extremely interested in acquiring the 6'9" star.

Wojnarowski noted, "[T]his is NBA free agency, and make no mistake: For the defending NBA champions, the plan of pursuit for Kevin Durant has long been in motion."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories