The former is a 25-year-old superstar just coming into his own, still chasing that first playoff berth, while the latter is a storied franchise known for getting what it wants and only now coming to grips with Kobe Bryant's vulnerability.
Nearly two years in advance of when the Lakers and Love could officially sync up, a future union feels inevitable as Love's Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to journey westward to the Land of Make Believe.
No, I didn't teach divination at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Yes, my crystal ball is still on the fritz. And no, I don't have a license to read minds in the state of California.
But my spidey senses are tingling and this time, I don't think it's allergies.
Something just feels right about Love to the Lakers. Imminent, even.
Almost as if it makes too much sense not to happen.
Face It: Lakers Need Someone Else
I'm not one to say the Lakers need anybody.
To be sure, I've definitely said it before. Most definitely about Kobe. Probably even about Dwight Howard, way back when. But I've never been the over-emotional artist who paints a dark outlook on Los Angeles' future if it doesn't land Player A, B, Q or Z. And I'm still not.
The Lakers need to move on soon, though. If Kobe's Achilles injury wasn't reminder enough that tomorrow is coming, the team's latest announcement most certainly is:
Let's get this out of the way: Kobe is an animal. He played on that injury in the fourth quarter against Memphis and everything. Pure diabolical, that guy is. Pain has never met more resistance than it has with Kobe.
But after 17 years of antagonizing Father Time and terrorizing fate, Kobe has fallen. Twice. And though he'll get back up, no o...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
