The 2014-15 NBA season has only just begun, but the rumor mill is already in full swing.
As fans of the sport, we are always yearning for the latest and greatest buzz and news that pours out of trusted sources across the Association. So far, this year hasn't disappointed, as many rumors that concern the near future and the distant future have surfaced around the Web.
Recently, a few juicy pieces of gossip surrounding one of the league's best power forwards, an injured small forward and a free agent found their way to the Internet. What could these rumors entail, and which players are involved? Take a look.
No Love for Los Angeles
Rumors involving Kevin Love began to swirl around the Web recently, and they were rather intriguing. The All-Star power forward is just starting his run with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers; however, there was speculation that he wouldn't be there for long.
Reports, like this tweet from NBC Sports, insinuated Love would opt out of his contract at the end of the year and make a move to the Los Angeles Lakers:
Well, it's time for Cavaliers fans to breathe a sigh of relief, because this forward isn't going anywhere.
On Friday, Love was asked about that buzz, and he didn't take long to completely shoot it down during a press conference, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com. The forward simply said, "Going to the Lakers, no, that's not [true]. I don't know where somebody got that."
He went on to describe his feeling as being a part of the Cavaliers as "fantastic."
Despite a very rocky start to Cleveland's season, it doesn't make much sense for Love to leave the company of James, Kyrie Irving and Co. to travel out west and join a Lakers team that is in an enormous state of flux right now.
Young Is Restless
The Lakers really miss Nick Young. This team has been floundering out of the gate this season due to a rash of injuries and a roster that simply hasn't spent enough time together. Even though Kobe Bryant has returned, Los Angeles is asking him to shoot too much and spend too much time on the court as a result.
If Bryant is to remain healthy throughout the season, he must spend less time in action. In order for that to happen, the Lakers need another viable shooter. Luckily, the team may not have to wait too long to get one, as Young's return appears imminent, according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
It comes as no surprise that Young is looking to get back on the court quickly. He's been hampered by a thumb injury ever since a collision with Bryant in practice before the season began. Since then, he's needed surgery on his shooting hand, followed by a hard cast and then a soft cast.
That's not the way the Lakers' most prolific scorer from a year ago wanted to start the season. Young was extremely valuable off the bench last year, averaging 17.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. His role this season could become even more significant on a team that could really use his services.
Second Time's the Charm
Tyrus Thomas, a seven-year NBA veteran and power forward, is attempting a comeback after having missed the 2013-14 season. A fist-round draft selection by the Portland Trail Blazers, Thomas played with the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets without ever living up to expectations.
It appears Thomas may actually get a shot at seeing some on-court action once again after garnering interest from a couple NBA teams, according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders:
Thomas already worked out for the Memphis Grizzlies, but a trip to Los Angeles is rather intriguing. The Lakers have a huge need at the power forward position, and the team was also granted an exception following the season-ending injury to rookie Julius Randle.
The Lakers simply need another body to come in and log time off the bench from the power forward position. This is something Thomas has done with frequency throughout his career, so the fit certainly appears to be there.
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