Mannix Reveals Reason Kevin Durant Could Avoid Lakers Move In 2019

Kevin Durant’s future is a constant topic of discussion despite the small forward only recently re-signing with the Golden State Warriors on a 1+1 deal after declining his player option and entering free agency.

The ongoing speculation about his future is due to the fact that he could enter free agency yet again in 2019 and there are a number of teams already planning to make their move with New York Knicks being the most mentioned team.

The Los Angeles Lakers have also been linked with a move after he was spotted with LeBron James. And both the players praising each other in recent months has added to the speculation that they might unite at the Staples Center in 2019.

A potential return to Oklahoma City Thunder and a reunion with Russell Westbrook has also been touted in order to minimize the amount of criticism Durant has got since ditching them for the Warriors in 2016.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Mannix, there is going to be a mad rush from many franchises to recruit the two-time NBA Finals MVP. Almost similar to when he quit Thunder in 2016 to move to the Warriors.

"I think next summer, we are going to see a Kevin Durant free-agency tour," Mannix said on the “Good N' Plenty” podcast, as quoted on the Bleacher Report. "I think we'll see teams recruit him, maybe not the exact same way they did a few years ago, but in that kind of way.”

Durant and the LA Lakers link is becoming all too common at the moment, but Mannix thinks the 9-time All-Star could look to avoid teaming up with James if he wins his third consecutive NBA championship with the Warriors in 2019.

The reigning back-to-back champions are the overwhelming favorite to win it for the third straight year and Mannix is of the view that Durant will not want to go to the Lakers and help James win his fourth. But will look to reach four titles and get one over the former Cavaliers star, who is considered as one of the best in NBA history and has won three titles thus far in his career — two with the Miami Heat and one with the Cavaliers.

“And if you start looking at potential teams, I know people like to connect Kevin Durant to Los Angeles, but I'm of the belief that if he gets his third championship, he's not going to want to play alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant's gonna wanna be the player who eclipses LeBron James,” the NBA insider explained.

“You don't wanna go and play with somebody and help him win championships if you're on Durant level. You wanna be…the guy. I think that's gonna keep him out of L.A."