logo
"I Wish He Was A Laker" - Magic Johnson Shares True Feelings About Kevin Durant That Purple And Gold Fans Will Like

"I Wish He Was A Laker" - Magic Johnson Shares True Feelings About Kevin Durant That Purple And Gold Fans Will Like

Yahoo15-05-2025

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson recently showed love to Kevin Durant and congratulated him for winning the Magic Johnson Award. In the process of praising Durant on X, Johnson also tweeted about how he wished to see the Phoenix Suns star don the Purple and Gold.
"Congratulations to the 2-time Magic Johnson Award winner Kevin Durant. I'm so excited Kevin Durant won this award because is he always so gracious to the media and fans, I love his game, who he is as a man, and all the great community work that he's doing in the DMV area with the youth. Kevin is an outstanding entrepreneur and a big Commanders fans. I wish he was a Laker! lol."
Advertisement
The Magic Johnson Award is handed out to players who not only excel on the court, but also graciously carry themselves with media and fans. Durant's work off the court with the community certainly caught the eye of the Lakers legend.
However, the idea that Johnson presented of seeing Durant step on the court while wearing the Lakers' purple and gold is truly an interesting one for the fans.
The Phoenix Suns forward has been one of the most interesting players to follow over the last few years. Having skipped across the league in an attempt to be a part of a contending side, the forward is expected to be on the lookout for another place to call home in the summer.
Among the trade rumors linking Durant with different teams, the Houston Rockets are the team that has presented the most viable package to acquire. But it wouldn't be out of the question for the Lakers to make Johnson's wish come true.
Landing Kevin Durant Presents An Impossible Challenge For The Lakers
The notion of the Los Angeles Lakers landing Kevin Durant seems borderline ridiculous at first glance. Given the current state of the team's salary cap since acquiring Luka Doncic, it is clear that the team is in need of offloading salaries rather than taking on a bigger one.
Advertisement
However, a team featuring LeBron James, Doncic, and Durant as the big three is certainly a fantasy for some fans. In light of this, we aimed to formulate a trade package that could bring the Suns forward over to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles.
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap, 2031 First-Round Pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kevin Durant
While such a trade could work on paper, the Lakers would face devastating consequences throughout their season. With effectively no backup power forwards, playmakers, or wing defenders, the Purple and Gold would be spiraling to the bottom of the West.
Advertisement
Additionally, considering the shortage of draft capital the Lakers have, giving up more would simply force the team to rely on expiring contracts and free agents to build their roster for future campaigns.
Meanwhile, the Suns would benefit from acquiring a blend of young and veteran talent. This trade would effectively reset the Suns' rebuild and turn them into a competitive side again.
Related: Lakers Might Land 'Shot-Blocker And Lob-Threat' Center In New Trade Idea

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Former Lakers champion says he'd be 'perfect' as Knicks head coach
Former Lakers champion says he'd be 'perfect' as Knicks head coach

USA Today

time31 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Former Lakers champion says he'd be 'perfect' as Knicks head coach

Former Lakers champion says he'd be 'perfect' as Knicks head coach When this season started, plenty of people felt the New York Knicks were legitimate championship contenders. That sentiment intensified after the Knicks upset the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in stunning fashion in the second round of the playoffs. But they then got eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference finals, and on Tuesday, they fired Tom Thibodeau after he had been their head coach for the past five seasons. This will therefore be a big offseason for them, as they could end up hiring the head coach who will guide them to their first world title since 1973. Metta Sandiford-Artest had a long and successful career as a two-way forward in the league, and he won it all with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010. He took to X (formerly Twitter) and boldly declared that he's the "perfect choice" to be the Knicks' next head coach. Sandiford-Artest came to the Lakers in 2009, and at the time, he was considered the ultimate loose cannon across the league, especially after he was the central figure in the infamous "Malice at the Palace" incident in the fall of 2004. However, he helped them win the NBA championship in his first season with them, and he became a beloved figure, especially after undertaking a number of community-oriented initiatives, particularly in the field of mental health. He left the Lakers in 2013 and spent half a season with the Knicks. After a couple of brief stints overseas, he returned to the Lakers in 2015 for his final two NBA seasons. His only real coaching experience is as a player development coach with the G League's South Bay Lakers during the 2017-18 campaign. The Knicks will likely want to turn to someone who has plenty of experience to be their next head coach. But perhaps Artest, who grew up in the borough of Queens and played his college ball at St. John's University, could convince their next head coach to give him a job as an assistant.

Kevin Durant Next Team Betting Odds: Where Will KD Land This Summer?
Kevin Durant Next Team Betting Odds: Where Will KD Land This Summer?

Newsweek

timean hour ago

  • Newsweek

Kevin Durant Next Team Betting Odds: Where Will KD Land This Summer?

As of June 4, DraftKings lists the Rockets, Suns and Timberwolves -- in that order -- as the teams that are most likely to land Kevin Durant this summer. As of June 4, DraftKings lists the Rockets, Suns and Timberwolves -- in that order -- as the teams that are most likely to land Kevin Durant this summer. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA is once again owning the news cycle in June, and we're not just talking about the fascinating Finals matchup between the Pacers and Thunder. In addition to the on-court action set to take place in Oklahoma City and Indianapolis over the next couple weeks, there are massive stories worth keeping tabs on in New York (where the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday), Milwaukee (is Giannis on his way out?) and Phoenix. The Suns are drawing attention because of the growing likelihood that 36-year-old superstar Kevin Durant will leave the desert this summer. Durant, who will turn 37 in September, is currently under contract in Phoenix for one more year, at a salary of just under $55 million. The former Thunder, Warriors and Nets star joined the Suns via trade in February of 2023. He is coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons in '23-24 and '24-25, but his days as a Sun appear numbered after the team failed to reach the playoffs this year despite having the most expensive roster in the league. Kevin Durant Next Team Odds The odds below come from DraftKings (as of June 4). Fine print, from DK: "First Regular Season minute played to be for which NBA team? [2025-26 only]" Note: While DraftKings offers odds for all 30 teams in this market, we're listing the eight that currently have the shortest odds (15-to-1 or shorter). Rockets (+225) Suns (+350) Timberwolves (+400) Spurs (+1000) Knicks (+1000) Pelicans (+1400) Heat (+1500) Mavericks (+1500) Kevin Durant Next Team Breakdown, Prediction While the reporting around Giannis and the Bucks stops short of indicating the Greek Freak already has a foot out the door, it's almost a foregone conclusion that Durant will not be a Sun when the '25-26 season begins next October. The fact that the Suns are longer than 3-to-1 to retain him despite Durant being under contract for one more year is telling. And Tuesday's report from The Athletic's Kelly Iko -- who cited sources saying that Phoenix is in "aggressive in pursuit" of trading Kevin Durant -- marked the latest indication that he will be in a new uniform in October. Best Bet On Kevin Durant's Next Team: Houston Rockets Generally speaking, any time the favorite in a betting market is available at longer than 2-to-1, it's hard to resist. And in this case, there's a lot more to like about the possibility of Houston trading for Durant than those odds. First, let's talk about his potential fit with the young Rockets. Is there a team with a greater need for a veteran halfcourt shot creator and scorer than Houston? Ime Udoka's squad was terrific defensively and in transition this year. Its ability to overwhelm opponents athletically helped it finished second in the Western Conference, behind only the Thunder, at 52-30. But the Rockets entered the playoffs as an underdog against the Warriors because of questions about their halfcourt offense. As many expected, regular-season standouts Jalen Green and Amen Thompson both struggled to get going offensively against Golden State, and big offensive series by Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun weren't enough for Houston to advance. Anyone who's watched Durant (a career 26.6 points per game scorer on 52.7 percent FG shooting) can easily envision him thriving alongside what would be one of the most athletic supporting casts in the NBA, regardless of who/what Houston has to get up to land KD. With that in mind, where the future Hall-of-Famer ends up will probably come down to a bidding war between the Rockets, Timberwolves and whoever else emerges. In terms of draft assets, Houston is as flush as almost anyone in the league. It holds the No. 9 pick this year, an unprotected first-rounder in 2027 and all seven of its own first-round picks in the years to come. In total, the Rockets have nine incoming future first-round picks. They also have a deep rotation full of young talent: a staggering eight of the Rockets' top 12 players by minutes played this year are 23 years old or younger. It's hard to pinpoint what it will take to appease Phoenix in a Durant trade, but assuming that A) the Rockets are truly set on landing him, and B) the Suns don't stick to a trade demand that changes Houston's mind, KD feels like a safe bet to start next season as a Rocket. Given those two substantial caveats, I wouldn't recommend the following bet at much shorter than the current price. It's hard to resist at longer than 2-to-1 right now, though. A 0.5-unit play on Durant Next Team: Houston Rockets (+225 at DK) is the way to go here. Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.

NBA mock draft: Duke's Cooper Flagg closing in on completing journey to becoming No. 1 overall pick

time2 hours ago

NBA mock draft: Duke's Cooper Flagg closing in on completing journey to becoming No. 1 overall pick

There's little to no drama when it comes to predicting the No. 1 overall pick for this month's NBA draft. Cooper Flagg was earmarked for that spot before ever stepping foot on Duke's campus last fall. He did nothing to disappoint as a one-and-done college standout, guiding the Blue Devils to the Final Four while becoming only the fourth freshman to be named The Associated Press men's college basketball national player of the year. The other three? Texas' Kevin Durant in 2007, Kentucky's Anthony Davis in 2012 and Duke's Zion Williamson in 2019. Of that group, Davis and Williamson were No. 1 picks, while Durant was picked No. 2. Flagg, headlining the AP's NBA mock draft, will fit right in when the first round begins June 25. Fresh off trading away Luka Doncic, the Mavericks luck into a versatile 6-foot-8, 221-pound forward who can thrive as a scorer ( Atlantic Coast Conference freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame) or playmaker (team-best 4.2 assists). His length and competitive edge can impact games defensively (team highs of 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks). And he has an all-around game more advanced than his age with room to develop as he turns 19 in December. The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper offers size at the point (6-5, 213 pounds) and averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a freshman. He could join NBA rookie of the year Stephon Castle in the backcourt for star Victor Wembanyama. Still, there's an awkward question of how a team with Harper and fellow one-and-done prospect Ace Bailey went just 15-17. The only benefit to injury-riddled seasons for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George was landing a high pick for a team that still has designs on contending in the Eastern Conference. The 6-4, 193-pound Edgecombe, who turns 20 in July, could help with two-way potential, rim-attacking athleticism and 3-point shooting. The 6-8 forward is a versatile athlete capable of stretching defenses (five January games with at least four made 3s) and tools to develop defensively. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, though for a losing team despite featuring Bailey and Harper as the NBA-bound headliners. The Hornets already have 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller as a wing forward, so this would bet on talent over position need. It's a simple selling point for the league's worst team: the 6-5, 190-pound freshman can score. He averaged 19.9 points to lead the Southeastern Conference while shooting 39.7% on 3s. He broke Durant's freshman Longhorns record when he scored 39 points against Arkansas in February. The Wizards need help in multiple areas after winning 18 games, and the 6-5 guard has shown an all-around floor game. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a freshman, including one run of six straight 20-point games including against then-No. 1 Tennessee. The 6-3, 180-pound combo guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his lone college season. Highlights included a four-point play to beat a ranked Michigan team, along with scoring 57 points in two SEC Tournament games. But he'll need to improve his outside shot (28.4% on 3s) and add bulk. With four first-rounders, the Nets could start retooling with the 6-7, 217-pound Knueppel as an efficient scorer who was named ACC Tournament MVP. Knueppel shot 40.6% on 3-pointers and ranked sixth in Division I by shooting 91.4% at the foul line. The freshman also had 10 games with at least four assists to show potential as a secondary playmaker for a Final Four team. The 7-1, 253-pound South Sudanese big man projects as a rim-protecting lob threat. Maluach had the combine's biggest wingspan (7-6 3/4) and showed stretches of capably defending guards on switches in his lone college season. He shot 71.2% largely on dunks and putbacks, so he'll need time to refine a raw offensive game. The son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson would offer longer-term benefits for a team that finished second in the Western Conference. Richardson is small (6-1, 178) for a combo guard, and he mentioned after a recent workout with Portland that he's working to prove he can play the point. Shooting 41.2% on 3s is enticing regardless. The sophomore has a strong frame (6-7, 240) that could allow him to work some on the wing and bang inside with a nearly 7-1 wingspan. He contributed as a capable scorer (16.8), rebounder (8.3) and defender (1.3 blocks, 1.5 steals). The 6-9, 248-pounder earned a spot in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16. The nimble move illustrated the still-developing upside for a skilled freshman who nearly averaged a double-double (16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds). The 6-9, 224-pound freshman who helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade offers versatile upside, though the 19-year-old will need time to get stronger and improve his shooting (29.2% on 3s). The lanky 6-9, 194-pound forward from France has been honing versatile skills in Germany and turns 19 in December. He has the ability to run the court and attack off the dribble, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in Germany this season. The 6-7, 215-pound freshman reserve shot 37.1% on 3s and showed defensive potential by averaging a block per game despite playing just 19 minutes a night. He had one of the top max vertical leaps at the combine (39.5 inches). The 6-9, 263-pound freshman offers a strudy interior presence with a 7-6 wingspan, proving capable of operating in the post or in traffic while also flashing face-up skills. The 19-year-old could help himself by developing his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). The 6-8, 232-pound Fleming increased his output in three college seasons and brings a sturdy frame to the NBA. He averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and has improved his 3-pointing from 31.3% through his first two college seasons to 39% last year. He also had one of the combine's biggest wingspans at better than 7-5. A top international prospect from Russia, the 19-year-old Demin spent a season at BYU as a playmaker with size (6-9, 199). That could allow teams to run offense through him as a strong passer who had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes of work during his last two NCAA Tournament games for a Sweet 16 team. After grabbing Knueppel at eighth, the Nets could further bolster their perimeter with the 6-6, 201-pound lefty from Israel. Saraf has proven adept as a scoring playmaker, averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 assists this season in Germany. The 6-7, 215-pound McNeeley jumped right in as a freshman starter for the two-time reigning NCAA champion Huskies and projects as a floor-stretching wing, including with 22 points in the NCAAs against eventual champion Florida and a 38-point showing against then-No. 24 Creighton. The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from the Ivy League (Yale) to the Big Ten as a low-post presence, averaging 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles. He also showed the ability to step outside (38 made 3s in 37 games). The 6-5, 175-pound guard from France is a scoring playmaker and has been regarded as a possible lottery prospect. The 19-year-old had previously drawn recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Alabama and Gonzaga before opting to remain in his home country last year. The freshman from Canada worked as a top reserve averaging 12.6 points. The 19-year-old Riley has potential as a scorer and passer with size (6-8) as he refines his game and develops physically (186 pounds). The 6-5, 202-pound Clifford took his time developing as a five-year player, though the 23-year-old is coming off a huge year (18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists). He also improved his outside shot, going from making 33.8% over three seasons at Colorado to 37.7% on higher volume in two years with the Rams. The 6-2, 199-pound combo guard was an AP first-team All-American and Final Four's most outstanding player in the Gators' national title run. That included monster tournament performances — notably the frantic comeback against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight and a career-best scoring effort against Auburn in the Final Four — that bode well for a gamer who repeatedly rose to the challenge. The 7-1, 253-pound center from China turns 20 the night of the draft's second round. He has intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan) to go with shooting touch and solid passing in a developing game. The 6-3, 202-pound senior was an every-game starter while missing just one game during the past three college seasons. His scoring and playmaking ability (19.2 points, 5.9 assists) made him a finalist for last year's Cousy Award presented to college's top point guard. The 6-5, 213-pound Coward has taken an interesting path. He started his career at Division III Willamette and spent two seasons at Eastern Washington, then played six games at Washington State due to injury and planned to transfer to Duke. But he stayed in the draft after testing well at the combine, including the best wingspan (7-2+) and standing reach (8-10) among guards, a 38.5-inch max vertical leap, and solid shooting-drill showings. Beringer, who turns 19 in November, projects as a mobile threat who can work in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat. The French big man needs time to strengthen a lean 6-11, 230-pound frame. The 19-year-old with a 6-6, 205-pound frame has flashed shooting range and the ability to attack off the dribble. He earned MVP honors after helping the Under-18 Real Madrid team win last year's Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Berlin. ___ Also considered (in alphabetical order): Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton; Noah Penda, forward, Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France); Drake Powell, guard/forward, North Carolina; Maxime Raynaud, center, Stanford. ___ ___

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store