The Los Angeles Lakers may have an opportunity to enact some revenge on the Houston Rockets for poaching Dorian Finney-Smith. That seismic payback could come in the form of Kevin Durant.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported a lack of urgency from both the Rockets and Durant on getting an extension done for the future Hall of Famer. This could leave the door open for the Lakers to swoop in, when the moment comes.
MacMahon said, "The Rockets have other business that they need to handle this summer. ... Big splash, but they didn't push all their chips in. ... They waited until the price was at a value that they felt was comfortable for them. ... [Durant is] not necessarily their priority, and that's not an insult to him."
The ESPN insider added that the Rockets' priority is ensuring sustained success, while also taking advantage of the short-term window with Durant. MacMahon said a 'patient approach' will be taken, one where the high-scoring star may not even get a contract extension by the start of the season.
Kevin Durant gamble creates window of opportunity for Lakers
It should be emphasized that MacMahon said both the Rockets and Durant will 'work together.' There is no immediate indicator to suggest the two-time NBA champion wants to leave Houston after just arriving there this summer.
However, the NBA is about opportunity. If the extension never gets done and the situation drags until next offseason, that is when the Lakers may see a moment to strike.
In that instance, it is also important to understand the circumstances under which the Lakers would want to take a swing on adding Durant. That situation would be largely tied to LeBron James and his future in Los Angeles.
If James does end up deciding to play elsewhere after the 2025-26 season, the Lakers will have a big hole to fill on the roster. Durant offers a strong short-term fallback plan.
Rob Pelinka would likely prefer a long-term solution as a running mate next to Luka Doncic. Someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic, both of whom could be available in 2027 free agency.
However, what if the pair of generational superstars get taken off the 2027 board next summer? What if Jokic is fully expected to sign his extension to stay with the Denver Nuggets? What if Antetokounmpo has already forced his way out of his bleak situation with the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Lakers would need a quick solution for the immediate championship window with Doncic in his prime. At that point, Durant starts looking interesting.