Report: Lakers Decide On Pursuit Of Kevin Durant And Klay Thompson

The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t revealed much regarding their free agency plan. However, there are several reports suggesting that the team won’t go after some of the biggest players. Are Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson added to their list of priorities?

The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Pelicans star Anthony Davis, and it was a blockbuster trade. This changed their priorities, and they may not go after another All-Star. Rumors suggest that the team will build the roster around Davis and LeBron James.

Durant and Thompson are set to become free agents this summer. It turns out that the Lakers are out of the mix. NBA reporter Arye Abrahanm reported that the Lakers won’t try to go after Durant or Thompson.

“Sources within the Lakers organization not authorized to speak publicly have also informed me that the Lakers do not plan on pursuing free agent F Kevin Durant.”

Sources within the Lakers organization not authorized to speak publicly have informed me that the Lakers do not plan on pursuing free agent G Klay Thompson.

— Arye Abraham (@arye_abraham) June 18, 2019

“Sources within the Lakers organization not authorized to speak publicly have informed me that the Lakers do not plan on pursuing free agent G Klay Thompson.”

These reports don’t come as a surprise. The Davis trade changed the Lakers plans. This opens an opportunity for Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker.

“Lakers are trying to expand Anthony Davis trade and create ability to open max salary slot on July 6, sources tell @BobbyMarks42 and me. Lakers offering contracts of Mo Wagner/Jemerrio Jones/Isaac Bonga to additional teams, so LA can satisfy CBA rules on creating $32M in space,” Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted.

When it comes to Irving, David Aldridge of The Athletic says he may go to LA.

“Now, with the Lakers still capable of creating enough cap room for another max-salary player in time for the start of free agency on June 30, there’s a very real possibility that one of the many available top-tier talents could decide to join them and form the kind of superstar trio that LeBron was accustomed to both in Miami and Cleveland,” Aldridge wrote.

“Could it be Kyrie Irving, whose frustration with the Celtics experience has been well chronicled and who has been tied to the Brooklyn Nets in recent days?

“It certainly matters that the two former Cavs co-stars reconciled back in January, when our Joe Vardon detailed the apology phone call heard ‘round the basketball world.

“What’s more, it was also clear back then that James was open to the possibility of a reunion.”