When the 2025-26 season ended, the prevailing narrative was that Kevin Love would re-sign with the Utah Jazz, as his veteran influence was one of the bright spots in what was yet another blatant tankjob. Apparently, it won't be that straightforward, as the latest Love rumor suggests he may rejoin forces with LeBron James in Los Angeles.
ESPN's Marc J. Spears revealed that he's heard James plans to return to the Los Angeles Lakers and that Love would join him. Spears didn't say this directly, but it sounds like Love going to the Lakers would be contingent on LeBron staying in LA.
"I'm hearing that [LeBron's] likely coming back [to the Lakers]. ... Kevin Love could likely be joining the Lakers too."@MarcJSpears gives some insight on what could be next for LeBron 🏀 pic.twitter.com/EV1Qwqiixf
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 17, 2026
Love and James have a rapport with one another, as the two of them were teammates in Cleveland from 2014 and 2018, helping the Cavaliers win their first and only title in 2016. James has reunited with plenty of teammates over his 20-plus year NBA career, so it would be in character for him to lure Love back to the Lakers.
But even if Love isn't the most impactful player on the court these days, that would be a shame for the Jazz to see him leave after he endeared himself so well to the team and to the fanbase. Love could have moped around on a rebuilding team until he would have inevitably been bought out, but he not only accepted his role as a mentor for the younger players, but he embraced it.
It was clear from the jump how much the Jazz's youngsters looked up to Love because of his experience as both an All-Star and an NBA Champion. That's primarily why Jazz fans collectively agree that the team's best course of action with Love is to bring him back.
It wouldn't be the end of the world, but Utah would be sad to see him go
What makes Love's story in Utah impressive is the fact that when they first got him, no one cared and thought that he'd be waived immediately, but it didn't happen. In so doing, he went from someone that meant nothing to the fanbase at the start to being someone fans actively want to see back on the team.
For that same reason, Utah would be a tad heartbroken if he wasn't back with Utah, but they would be cool with it because as much as Love really assimilated himself with the Jazz, someone like him wouldn't necessarily be the hardest to replace.
A veteran presence in a locker room full of young players is nice to have, but it's like those are rare to find in the NBA. Plus, it's not like the Jazz have had a toxic locker room dynamic. At least, not since the days of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
If the Lakers pry Love from the Jazz, it would be a sad day for Utah, but it wouldn't be too hard to move on.
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