Kevin Love Hopes for Los Angeles Move, Eyes Lakers Reunion with LeBron or Clippers Role as Veteran Stretch Big Man

Kevin Love is ready for one more big move—and Los Angeles might be calling.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the veteran forward hopes to bring his talents to Southern California and has his eyes set on either reuniting with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers or finding a new opportunity across town with the Los Angeles Clippers. After 17 seasons in the NBA, Love wants one more run in a meaningful situation—and the bright lights of L.A. could offer just that.

The five-time NBA All-Star played in 23 games last season with the Miami Heat, averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in a reduced role. While those numbers are a far cry from his prime days with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers, Love has long since transitioned into a veteran presence capable of providing leadership, timely shot-making, and invaluable postseason experience.

With the Heat moving in a younger direction and Love’s contract now bought out, the 35-year-old is reportedly exploring his options—and his sights are set firmly on Los Angeles.

The Lakers, in particular, present a natural fit. Love and LeBron James famously shared the court during Cleveland’s 2016 championship run, forming one of the most iconic trios of the last decade alongside Kyrie Irving. Their chemistry, both on and off the floor, remains strong to this day. Love has never shied away from praising James, and it’s no secret that the two remain close friends.

A reunion in purple and gold wouldn’t just be sentimental—it could be smart basketball.

The Lakers’ current frontcourt rotation features Anthony Davis, Jaxson Hayes, and the newly acquired Deandre Ayton. While those three bring youth, athleticism, and rim protection, none of them offer the type of floor spacing and veteran IQ that Love does. As a big man who can shoot the three, rebound in spurts, and mentor younger players, Love could carve out a specialized role in Darvin Ham’s system.

More importantly, the Lakers lack reliable frontcourt depth beyond their top starters. Ayton, while talented, has struggled with consistency. Hayes remains a raw and developing prospect. Davis, though dominant when healthy, has a history of injuries that makes backup plans essential. Love, even in limited minutes, could serve as a trusted insurance policy in key stretches of the regular season and playoffs.

His ability to stretch the floor would also ease spacing issues that the Lakers occasionally face. With Davis often working out of the post and LeBron initiating offense, having a forward who can drag opposing bigs out to the perimeter could unclog the paint and create better driving lanes for the stars.

And while 5.3 points per game isn’t headline-grabbing, it’s important to consider context. Love’s role in Miami was limited. He played just 16.8 minutes per game, often coming in as a situational shooter. But even in that role, his veteran savvy and spot-up shooting added value to Erik Spoelstra’s system. On a team like the Lakers, where expectations are sky-high but roles are clearly defined, Love could once again thrive in a simplified role that plays to his strengths.

If the Lakers pass, the Clippers remain a viable option—and an intriguing one.

The Clippers could use another stretch big behind Ivica Zubac and newly acquired Daniel Theis. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George looking to stay healthy through a long season, the team is focused on load management and bench stability. Love would be able to provide spacing, locker room leadership, and postseason experience to a roster that has championship aspirations but has frequently faltered when it matters most.

The Clippers’ system, under coach Tyronn Lue—who also coached Love in Cleveland—might be even more familiar than the Lakers’. Love and Lue share a great rapport, and the Clippers’ slower-paced, half-court offense could benefit from Love’s basketball IQ and decision-making.

Either way, the message is clear: Kevin Love is not done yet.

Though he’s not the double-double machine he once was, Love has embraced the evolution of his career. He’s become a model teammate, a stretch big with a sniper’s release, and an ambassador of the game. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, hitting a timely three, or helping a young player find their rhythm, Love’s impact is less about the box score and more about the intangibles.

“I just want to contribute to winning,” Love said in a past interview when discussing his shift from starter to role player. “At this stage, it’s about moments—being ready for your moment, helping others have theirs, and chasing something bigger than stats.”

That mindset aligns perfectly with what both L.A. teams are looking for this offseason.

For the Lakers, Kevin Love could become a bridge between the past and the present—a connection to LeBron’s historic championship run while bolstering the supporting cast in what may be James’ final years. For the Clippers, Love could represent a reliable bench presence in a title-or-bust season that demands contributions from top to bottom.

As of today, there’s no official word on where Love will sign. But what’s certain is that the Southern California native—who played his college ball at UCLA and whose father, Stan Love, once wore the Lakers jersey—is eyeing a return to familiar territory.

And the timing might be perfect.

Both Los Angeles teams are preparing for high-stakes seasons with championship hopes. The Lakers want to give LeBron one more real shot at a title. The Clippers want to finally break through the second-round wall and silence the doubters. In either situation, adding a veteran like Kevin Love makes more than just nostalgic sense—it makes competitive sense.

Time will tell if a deal materializes, but make no mistake: Love wants to be in Los Angeles. And for a player who has spent nearly two decades mastering his craft, adapting to new roles, and embracing every chapter of his journey, this next one might just be the perfect ending to a remarkable NBA story.

Whether it’s donning the purple and gold again alongside LeBron or suiting up for a cross-town rival with championship dreams of their own, Kevin Love is ready to bring his talents—and his leadership—to Hollywood.