NBA Rumors: Kevin Love still wants to play for Los Angeles Lakers

Feb 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Minnesota wins 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Minnesota wins 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Many pundits, scouts and fans alike have always summed that Minnesota Timberwolves’ star power forward Kevin Love would one day wind up with his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Love is a Santa Monica native and played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins.

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However, since a report surfaced that Love was not going to sign an extension with the Timberwolves, there has been speculation that the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors, among others, could trade for Love.

Although Love would probably accept a trade to any of those destinations and may even be willing to sign an extension, Sam Smith of Bulls.com still believes Los Angeles is where Love wants to be.

"People I know around the Lakers still believe he wants to return there. Someone with the Warriors predicted he’d go there. The Cavs may offer the No. 1 pick in the draft. Boston’s in for a lottery pick. Obviously, it all depends on Love’s preference to start, and no one has heard anything credible about that, assuming the Timberwolves go along. At this point after several early round playoff outs you try to do something significant if you can, like maybe a dozen other franchise are trying."

Love averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.