When Kevin Love was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Minnesota Timberwolves during the off-season, it bode well for the promising NBA career of the prolific power-forward.
After all, every NBA player has their eye on the prize as nothing can really compare to an NBA championship ring, except maybe, good money.
Joining a returning LeBron James to Cleveland, Love landed into an enviable spot as his chance of nailing an NBA championship looms larger on the horizon. It also helped that the Cavs reportedly dangled him a five-year contract extension worth $120 million.
But why is it that rumors have been going around lately that Kevin Love will opt out of his current contract with the Cavs and join the Los Angeles Lakers next season?
Sam Smith of Bulls.com has the explanation when he wrote: "One of the biggest issues for Cavs is that both LeBron James and Kevin Love own opt outs after this season. James basically cannot afford to go anyhere after his return to Cleveland. But watch out for Love."
"Indications are he (Love) will seriously consider the opt out and his eyeing a return to Los Angeles, where he attended college and where the Lakers long have had him on their free agent wish list," added Smith.
MSN News also gives credence to the possibility as there is mutual interest between Lakers and Kevin Love. That's in addition to the fact that the Lakers have plenty of room in its salary cap next summer to offer Love a maximum contract.
CBS Sports thinks that it would indeed be a wise move for Love to opt out of his contract after the current NBA season.
Love will be making $15.7 million with the Cavs this season. He is due to get $16.7 million next season, according to Spotrac.
"If he opts out and signs a new maximum deal (regardless of how many years it ends up being), Love would make more than $18.5 million next season," points out CBS Sports.
Kevin Love can also opt out next season and still re-sign with the Cavaliers, especially if he really has his eyes on an NBA championship, notes the report.
While the Cavs are off to a slow start this young NBA season, the Miami Heat during the LeBron James era was also on the same situation. James has been saying that his new Cavs team is a 'work in progress.' Kevin Love joining the Lakers and eyeing the championship next year is like asking for the moon, assesses MSN News.
"It makes plenty of sense that (Kevin Love) would opt out to get more money and years but that doesn't mean he's leaving (Cleveland). Unless the Cavs completely implode this year," states MSN News.
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