Similar to numerous other teams in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers have embraced a strong supporting cast centered around two superstar players, moving away from the traditional “big three” paradigm.

They may be ready to return to forming a new big trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis if the new model doesn’t work out. That chance might come in the form of Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.

“When you speak to individuals in Phoenix and within that organization, you can sense their frustration with Durant,” commented ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on December 25th during “NBA Countdown.” Additionally, “Kevin Durant will force them to deal with this in Phoenix.”

As LeBron’s career winds down, the Lakers could make a bold move by acquiring him in a trade and forming a new superteam.

The Lakers would supposedly receive:

—Kevin Durant

The Suns receive:

D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince, Max Christie, a first-round pick in 2029 and a first-round pick in 2030 traded places

Two times throughout his career, in 2019 and 2023, Durant was traded—first to the Brooklyn Nets and then to the Suns.

The Suns(14-15) and Lakers(16-15) have both had a rough go of it recently, with only three wins in their last twelve games. Injuries, particularly to Bradley Beal, have slowed the Suns’ growth, and Wojnarowski stated that the team is now scrambling to get back on track without the resources to chase upgrades.

He made it clear that the organization’s future was highly dependent on it. “Something has to change soon.”

“KD should leave SUNS,” wrote Brandon Jennings, a former NBA guard, on December 26 on X (previously Twitter). They swore at the man. He is unworthy of this.

Lakers Prepared to Take on Durant Trade

Since the summer, when Russell waived his implied no-trade rights and re-signed for two years at $36 million, he has been the subject of trade speculations. His latest benching has only served to heighten speculation that he could be the subject of substantial trade offers.

The Suns would get the starting point guard they are lacking even if he is better suited to scoring than playing the position.

After developing a close relationship with James during the offseason, Hachimura inked a three-year, $51 million deal that prevents the Lakers from trading him until January 15. Despite struggling with injuries and inconsistent play earlier in the season, he has emerged strong in the final ten games, averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

Despite playing just over four minutes per game in 22 outings, Christie has shown flashes in limited opportunities. His averages are modest: 4.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Christie has averaging 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in six starts this season.

The loss of Prince would be significant. With a field goal percentage of 39.4 percent, he has started in every one of his 29 games.

Wojnarowski, though, says the Lakers could be short on options. Taking a bold step might be the way to go.

Even with this or a comparable offer, the Lakers would still have depth surrounding their superstar combination of James, Durant, and Davis. A highly sought-after contributor around the league, Austin Reaves, may be a player Phoenix insisted on bringing in.

The 25-year-old Reaves has not been traded by the Lakers. Changing your attitude for the older and more erratic Durant might not be worth it.

The amount of draft capital they can transfer is limited. They might benefit from Durant’s past in that respect.

Kevin Durant Denies Allegations Made by An Insider

Like always, Durant isn’t afraid to engage with his fans on social media. As far as anyone could tell, he denied Wojnarowski’s accusations.

“Woj says someone else ‘feels’ that I’m frustrated and it turned into me being mentally checked out,” Durant said on December 26 in response to an Instagram user. “This is absolutely insаne. These people can completely fabricate stories about me and you’ll believe them, but you choose to disregard the feedback my teammates and coaches give about my performance as a teammate.”

A $194 million deal, with a duration of four years, is being served by Durant.