Lakers, Clippers Near Roster Moves to Sign Kevin Love Amid Hard Cap

The Los Angeles Lakers are working to improve their roster but face salary cap constraints that limit their ability to sign new players before January 18, 2026. To add depth, the Lakers may need to offload Maxi Kleber, whose injury history and $11 million expiring contract make him a likely candidate for trade or release, allowing them to pursue versatile free agents like Al Horford. Veteran forward Kevin Love, a five-time NBA All-Star, is interested in joining either the Lakers or the Clippers after the New York Knicks lost interest; both LA teams have roster spots open but must make salary adjustments to sign him due to hard cap restrictions. Love, currently with the Utah Jazz, is expected to seek a buyout to become a free agent and could provide bench depth and floor spacing for either team despite his diminished role in recent seasons. Meanwhile, LeBron James is expected to return to the Lakers for the upcoming season but may consider joining the Clippers in 2026 free agency, attracted by the opportunity to play alongside Kawhi Leonard, as the Lakers shift focus toward Luka Doncic. These moves reflect the Lakers' ongoing efforts to balance veteran presence with cap flexibility in pursuit of a title contender status.