NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Not A Fit For Lakers, Jeanie Buss Hints

Los Angeles Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss is absolutely not concerned about other top players not interested in joining the franchise to play alongside LeBron James, who was signed on a four-year deal last summer after he entered free agency.

The Lakers are keen to get back to contending for a place in the post-season playoffs and NBA championships, something they have not done in the last five seasons. James’ is expected to change that before his tenure with the Los Angeles franchise comes to an end.

The NBA’s second most successful franchise did look to try and sign another All-Star player before the season started but were unable to do so, and have been linked with players like Bradley Beal and Anthony Davis as the trade deadline approaches.

Kevin Durant was quite vocal earlier in the season when he stated that no top player will be keen to play alongside James as they have to change their game to suit the three-time NBA champion. He also threw shade on the amount of attention one gets when around the 14-time NBA All-Star.

Buss made it clear during her recent interview with The Lowe Post that the Lakers do not want any player who is not interested in teaming up with the greatest player of the current generation. The Lakers owner said such statements make her laugh.

“I heard that about Kobe Bryant too and that makes me laugh, because if somebody doesn’t want to play with the best player playing in the NBA right now, I don’t want them on the team,” Buss said, as transcribed by Lakers Nation.

The Lakers chief also went on to praise president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka for the work they have done in building the team. Apart from James, the Lakers are a team filled with young potential in the form of Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram.

The Los Angeles franchise are keen to get back to winning ways and certainly need reinforcements – someone who can complement James and take over the mantle of being the team leader when the small forward is not at his best or out injured like he is currently. James has missed the last 15 games and the Lakers have a 5-10 record having dropped from fourth in the West to ninth.

But Buss is not concerned and while she admits they do want to get back to challenging for a place in the playoffs and NBA championships – the Lakers chief commended the front office for not taking any shortcuts by trading their assets for short-term glory.

“I see progress that the team is 25-23 right now and the Western Conference is difficult, and I would never think that being over. 500 that you would not be in the playoffs. I think that Magic has been patient, I think Rob Pelinka has done amazing things in terms of giving our roster flexibility and not just taking a shortcut to try and just make the playoffs only to lose in the first round. They see the picture and they’re taking those steps,” Buss added.

“They’re not going to take a shortcut to try get quick fix just to make the playoffs and give up ... any of our assets. That’s what I want to see and I think our fanbase is smart, they love basketball, they understand today’s NBA and they don’t want to take a shortcut either," she said.

“I’m satisfied where we are and at the start of the season my expectations were to be in the playoffs, but given the injuries, you have to see that compromises you. Those are things that are out of our control. Certainly the team has kept us in there. We’re not buried at the bottom, there’s light. Hopefully we’ll start getting these players back sooner than later,” she explained.

The Lakers have around $38.2 million in cap space to sign a top free agent in the summer and with the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Jimmy Butler becoming available, they will be able to add another All-Star to ensure James has the necessary ammunition to lead them to the title sooner rather than later.