Patryk Stachowiak
Five-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love is reportedly seeking a return to Los Angeles — and both the Lakers and Clippers are on his radar, per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel. Now with the Utah Jazz following a recent three-team trade, Love appears ready to chase a competitive role in his 18th season.
The Buyout Hurdle
Love, 37 in September, is unlikely to stick around on a Jazz roster set for a rebuild. According to Siegel
“Word around the league surrounding Love is that he wants to end up in Los Angeles…”
— making a buyout the likely next step.
Both the Lakers and Clippers currently have an open roster spot, but the NBA’s financial rules make this far more complicated than a simple signing.
Can Kevin Love Fit on the Clippers?
On paper, Love could be a valuable stretch big for a playoff contender like the Clippers. But LA’s front office is operating just $1.2 million below the first apron hard cap, making any move incredibly tight. They recently added Bradley Beal and Chris Paul, resulting in the waiving of Jordan Miller and Drew Eubanks.
Kevin Love. Source: thebiglead.com
With Miller returning on a two-way deal and most contracts locked in, the only real expendable name is Kobe Brown — still on his rookie contract. Would the Clippers move off a developing prospect just to add an aging vet?
What About the Lakers?
The Lakers are in a similar cap pinch. Adding Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart through the buyout market forced them to release both Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton. They’re also just $1.1 million from their first apron.
Trading Gabe Vincent or Dalton Knecht could create wiggle room, but only at the cost of draft capital — not exactly ideal for a player like Love, who would likely play limited minutes behind Anthony Davis and Ayton.
The LA Connection: Why Kevin Love Wants This
Love’s ties to LA run deep. Born in Santa Monica, he starred for Lake Oswego (nicknamed the “Lakers”) in high school before teaming up with Russell Westbrook at UCLA. Despite never suiting up for either NBA team in LA, the city has always loomed large in his basketball journey.
Even if a buyout is reached, Love could wait until midseason — when salary restrictions relax — to sign with either team. It’s not just about playing time anymore; it’s about ending his career on his terms, in a city that shaped his basketball story.
Bottom Line
Kevin Love to the Lakers or Clippers makes sense emotionally, and possibly strategically. But financial gymnastics and roster depth complicate any immediate move. Whether he suits up again in purple-and-gold or Clipper red-and-blue may come down to midseason timing and front office flexibility.