To compete for a championship with LeBron in 2025–2026, the Lakers might sign a $32 million former Cavaliers scorer.

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to build a championship-contending roster around LeBron James, the 2025–2026 NBA season holds great promise. One of the most intriguing possibilities for the Lakers is the potential signing of a former Cleveland Cavaliers star, who could provide the offensive firepower needed to elevate the team to title contention once again. This player, a scorer with a previous connection to LeBron James, could be the final piece the Lakers need in their quest to win another championship.

The Lakers’ Championship Window with LeBron James

LeBron James has long been a dominant force in the NBA, and at the age of 40, he continues to defy expectations with his level of play. As one of the greatest players to ever grace the court, his pursuit of more titles remains a driving force behind the Lakers’ moves. However, as LeBron enters the twilight of his career, time is of the essence for the Lakers to assemble a roster capable of competing for the championship.

The Lakers’ front office understands this urgency and has worked tirelessly to surround LeBron with the necessary pieces to maximize their chances of winning another NBA championship. After a successful 2020 championship run, the Lakers have experienced a few bumps along the way but have remained competitive, making deep playoff runs in recent years. However, the 2025–2026 season presents a unique opportunity: LeBron’s championship window might be closing soon, and the Lakers have an opportunity to make one final push with their aging superstar.

To compete for the 2025–2026 title, the Lakers need to surround LeBron with players who can contribute in meaningful ways, especially in terms of scoring. LeBron is still an elite playmaker and scorer, but he can’t carry the load alone. The Lakers need a proven scorer who can ease the offensive burden on LeBron while still being capable of taking over games when necessary.

This is where the $32 million former Cavaliers scorer enters the picture. As an established player with a history of scoring at a high level, this player could be the missing piece the Lakers need to give them the best chance to win another championship.

Who Is the $32 Million Former Cavaliers Scorer?

In this context, the player in question is none other than Kevin Love.

Kevin Love, a former Cleveland Cavaliers star and long-time NBA standout, has had a storied career filled with accolades, including being an integral part of the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team alongside LeBron James. Love was a crucial piece in the Cavs’ run to the title, providing elite rebounding, scoring, and spacing, which helped LeBron and Kyrie Irving propel the team to victory in the NBA Finals. In fact, Love’s role in the 2016 championship was often overlooked, but his ability to stretch the floor and make timely contributions was essential to Cleveland’s success.

After leaving the Cavaliers in 2023, Love joined the Miami Heat for a brief stint, where he continued to show that he still had plenty left in the tank. While his overall production has declined somewhat in recent years, Love remains a skilled scorer and a reliable veteran presence who can still make a significant impact on the game. His scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, would add another dimension to the Lakers’ offense.

At $32 million per year, Love’s salary reflects his status as a high-level contributor in the NBA, even if he is not the superstar he once was. His scoring ability, leadership, and familiarity with LeBron James would make him an attractive option for the Lakers. However, there are several factors to consider when looking at a potential reunion between Love and the Lakers.

The Fit with LeBron James and the Lakers

A reunion with Kevin Love would make sense on multiple levels. For one, Love’s history with LeBron James is well-documented, and the two have a strong rapport on and off the court. They won a championship together, and Love’s skill set complements LeBron’s game in many ways. LeBron is a gifted passer and playmaker who can create opportunities for teammates, and Love’s ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting would open up driving lanes for LeBron.

In addition to his scoring ability, Love is an excellent rebounder, something the Lakers have struggled with in recent seasons. His presence on the glass would alleviate some of the pressure on Anthony Davis and other Lakers players to secure boards. Love’s veteran presence could also provide leadership in the locker room, helping to guide the younger players on the team and provide stability in high-pressure situations.

Moreover, Love’s experience playing alongside LeBron in Cleveland would ensure that he understands how to fit into the Lakers’ system. LeBron is a ball-dominant player who thrives in transition and in the half-court, so players around him need to be able to play off the ball and contribute when LeBron isn’t creating for them. Love has proven in the past that he can excel in this type of role, as he did in Cleveland when he played alongside LeBron and Kyrie Irving.

While Love has aged and his role on the court has changed, he remains an extremely effective player when used in the right system. For the Lakers, his ability to stretch the floor, hit outside shots, and rebound would provide the team with the necessary versatility to compete with the best teams in the league.

The Lakers’ Roster and Cap Space in 2025–2026

To make a move like signing Kevin Love, the Lakers would need to have the necessary cap space to fit him into their roster. The 2025–2026 season may see LeBron James’ salary declining or potentially being restructured as he enters the final stages of his career, giving the Lakers some flexibility with their cap situation.

In addition to LeBron’s contract, the Lakers would need to assess the financial situation of their other key players, such as Anthony Davis. If the Lakers can free up enough cap space, they could make a strong push to sign Kevin Love, either through a direct contract or through a sign-and-trade scenario.

The Lakers are likely to have several other high-profile players on their roster in 2025–2026, which could make it more difficult to add a player with a $32 million salary. However, with LeBron’s leadership and the Lakers’ front office willing to make calculated moves, there may be an opportunity to create the necessary space to bring Love back to Los Angeles.

The Lakers’ Playoff and Championship Prospects with Kevin Love

If the Lakers do manage to sign Kevin Love for the 2025–2026 season, they would be adding a player who can contribute both in the regular season and in the playoffs. Love’s experience in high-pressure games, especially the 2016 Finals, would be invaluable when the Lakers inevitably face tough competition in the postseason.

Love is a proven performer in the clutch, and his ability to hit big shots and contribute in pivotal moments could make him an important piece of the Lakers’ playoff rotation. While his role might not be as large as it was during his prime years, Love’s ability to provide scoring, rebounding, and leadership would make him a crucial asset for a team looking to compete for a championship.

The Lakers would likely face stiff competition from other Western Conference powerhouses such as the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors, all of whom are likely to be contenders in 2025–2026. However, a healthy LeBron James, a dominant Anthony Davis, and a seasoned Kevin Love would give the Lakers the tools they need to match up with these teams and compete for another championship.

The potential signing of Kevin Love by the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–2026 season is a tantalizing possibility for a team looking to make one last push for a title with LeBron James. Love’s proven scoring ability, leadership, and experience playing alongside LeBron make him an ideal candidate to help the Lakers compete at the highest level.

With the right moves and careful management of their cap space, the Lakers could bring in Kevin Love, giving them an additional weapon to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The addition of Love could be the final piece of the puzzle for a Lakers team that is determined to win another NBA championship before LeBron’s illustrious career comes to an end.

While the 2025–2026 season remains a few years away, the possibility of a reunion between LeBron and Love in Los Angeles is one that could excite Lakers fans and make the team a formidable contender for the championship. With the right roster construction and a bit of luck, the Lakers could once again find themselves celebrating an NBA title, this time with Kevin Love back alongside LeBron, pursuing yet another championship ring in the twilight of their careers.