The Los Angeles Lakers have long been speculated to be keen on snagging Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder when he becomes a free agent in the summer and latest Lakers rumors have emerged that there is a "legitimate shot" for the Hollywood squad to pull it off.

Morning News USA reported that "the emergence of young trio D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, has changed the dynamic" of the Durant sweepstakes this summer as the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player is reportedly looking at the potential of the three youngsters.

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The possibility of having a future super team is not the only thing that could sway Durant to Los Angeles, the report says, as there numerous other reasons why the seven-time All-Star could choose the Lakers to be the team of his prime years.

One is the financial aspect of the potential deal as Durant could earn more or less $100 million in salaries and endorsements if he chooses the big-market LA franchise. Another one is he can be the next and lone superstar of the franchise, set to receive the torch from the retiring Kobe Bryant, next season without someone like Russell Westbrook to share the spotlight with.

Speaking of forming a super team, with the salary cap space the Lakers are set to create after Kobe leaves, Durant may not have to wait for the aforementioned trio to mature before he starts winning with the Lakers as the team could readily sign one more max contract player this offseason.

Basketball Insiders noted that because the league's salary cap will increase from $70 million to at least $90 million this summer due to the NBA's new national television deal, "the Lakers would be in position to pay Durant, and still have at least $30 million to spend".

Los Angeles could perhaps go for a reunion with Dwight Howard or lure Miami Heat big man Hassan Whiteside, who is not much of a star like Howard but is arguably more effective.

And finally, the Lakers search for a new coach may end up with Durant's former OKC boss Scott Brooks. This could very well seal the deal for LA's acquisition of Durant if it pushes through.

Tags Lakers free-agency rumors, Lakers Free-Agency Rumors 2016, NBA Free-Agency Rumors, NBA Free-Agency Rumors 2016, Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Lakers rumors