LeBron James probably isn't joining the Utah Jazz this summer, but his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers indirectly helped the Jazz feel comfortable swapping Kessler for practically their entire draft equity. James' indirect involvement with Utah may not stop there, as it has recently come to light that whichever team he signs with will have to sign Kevin Love with him.
Jake Fischer revealed on his Bleacher Report live stream that he wouldn't be surprised if Love is a "plus-one" for any team that signs James this summer.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Love is considered as a plus 1 to any team that acquires LeBron James,” - @JakeLFischer.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 12, 2026
(Via @BleacherReport) pic.twitter.com/BzhsfVkzxA
This was brought up earlier this summer, but that was before it became clear that LeBron and the Lakers would be parting ways. Regardless, it's clear that Love and James still have a connection, even though it's been almost a decade since they played together in Cleveland.
Losing Love wouldn't exactly be too heartbreaking for the Jazz, but he was well-liked enough in Utah that everyone would have been down for him to stay. With his NBA career on its last legs, it makes sense if he wants to both play with a friend while also potentially playing for a championship.
Until proven otherwise, it would be wiser to bet on that happening while teamed up with LeBron than it would be in Utah, but it may not be long before that exact sentiment looks foolish.
Love may have been gone anyway
Love left a strong enough impression that Jazz fans had hoped to keep him on the team, but only because of the vibes he brought to the locker room. Besides, re-signing Mo Bamba puts the Jazz's roster at 15 players, which said the quiet part out loud about Love's place on the team.
That's not just because they were at capacity, but because they used their final spot on a big man. It's clear that Utah wants their frontcourt rotation filled with players who can help on the court. Bamba's not the best big man, but certainly has more juice left than Love does.
Love wasn't that bad when the Jazz called his name last season, but now, in his late 30s, he can't offer all that much when he's on the floor. Utah wants to be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future. Love wouldn't take away from that, but if he's on the floor, he wouldn't add to it, so to speak. Now, he's going to get what might be his last shot while tagging along with his buddy.
Everyone knew this was going to be a captivating offseason for the Jazz, but who knew how much LeBron James would factor into it?
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