Lakers Rumors: Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson Incredibly Unlikely To Leave Golden State Warriors For LA

The Golden State Warriors could be nearing the end of their dynasty with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson set to hit free agency this summer. Several teams around the league will have plenty of space under the salary cap and make max contract offers to the two All-Stars, who have recently been at the center of rumors that indicate they could leave the Bay Area.

It won’t be shocking if Durant is in his final season with the Warriors. Yahoo Sports has reported that some members of Golden State’s organization believe Durant has one foot out the door, and ESPN reported earlier this postseason that some of his teammates expect him to join the New York Knicks.

The idea that Thompson might go elsewhere is thought to be much more of a long shot, though ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has recently indicated that the shooting guard is no guarantee to stay.

What are the odds the Los Angeles Lakers could play a role in breaking up the Warriors? As free agency gets closer, it’s appearing more and more unlikely that L.A. will land either Durant or Thompson.

“They’re not getting Durant and they’re not getting Klay Thompson,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on this week’s episode of “The Woj Pod.” “Probably not getting Kawhi (Leonard).”

It continues to be reported that none of the star free agents have the Lakers at the top of their wish-list. That could obviously change, but it's certainly not a good sign for Los Angeles when the No.1 NBA insider seems to believe they have close to no chance of getting either Durant or Thompson.

Most of the rumors regarding Durant’s free agency involve the Knicks, who have to be considered the overwhelming favorites to sign the two-time NBA champion. The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly believe they've got a real shot to sign Durant as they pursue both him and Leonard.

The Clippers might be a much more popular free-agent destination than the Lakers. Los Angeles’ second franchise is the latest team to be linked to Thompson, though it would be surprising if he turned down a max offer from Golden State.

There have been times over the last year when the Lakers have appeared to be a viable option for either Durant or Thompson.

The idea that LeBron James and his rival could team up in Los Angeles had been viewed as a real possibility earlier this season. The Lakers had largely been seen as the biggest threat to lure Thompson away from Golden State, and Wojnarowski has even stated in recent months that the Splash Brother could consider becoming a Laker if the Warriors don't offer him the most money possible.

The Lakers will have one max salary slot available this summer.