LeBron James’ friend predicts bold Lakers move for Kevin Love after getting traded to rebuilding Jazz

July 7, 2025

16

LeBron James’ friend, Cuffs The Legend, weighed in on Kevin Love getting traded to the Utah Jazz on Monday. He was moved in a three-team deal, which saw Norman Powell head to the Miami Heat and John Collins land on the LA Clippers as the centerpieces.

Cuffs The Legend made a bold prediction, suggesting Love could end up on the Lakers after the unexpected move. Utah is currently rebuilding, and a buyout could be possible. It opens the pathway for LA to land Love as a veteran backup big and locker room leader.

The Lakers don't have a veteran presence who can hold Luka Doncic and LeBron James accountable. Markieff Morris held that spot last year after being included in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. Love could fit that role. He already has a solid relationship with James. It might help the Lakers convince the four-time MVP to stay amid rumors of his wish to leave.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Love averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 10.1 minutes per game, so he remains a servicable option to deploy when called upon. He shot a respectable 35.8% from 3, primarily playing at the four or five.

He is a definite upgrade from that perspective in Morris' place for the Lakers.

Kevin Love drops hilarious reaction on trade to Utah

Kevin Love's wits have taken over NBA fandom over the past year. From his hilarious Instagram edits to cheeky tweets, Love continues becoming a fan favorite in league circles. On Monday, he left everyone in splits with another comical reaction following his trade to the Jazz. Here's what he said:

Love was on a $4.5 million expiring contract next season, which is close to a minimum deal. Ideally, he shouldn't have been one of the moving pieces, but the Heat needed extra space to add Norman Powell and remain under the first apron. By including Love, their cap is at $192 million, and they are $3.9 million under the apron.

Love was also expendable for the Heat as a non-contributor on the floor with a stacked frontcourt featuring Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic and Kel'el Ware ahead of him.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

Know More

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.