According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the idea of LeBron James and Kevin Durant teaming up on the Los Angeles Lakers is unlikely to happen. Windhorst dismissed the notion suggested by his colleague Stephen A. Smith that the Lakers would have been the ideal destination for Durant. 

He explained that there isn’t a feasible path for the 14-time All-Star to join the Lakers, particularly because a trade involving Durant and Anthony Davis, the only financially viable option, is not going to happen. The majority governor of the Phoenix Suns, Mat Ishbia, indicated that the team is unlikely to make any major moves during the offseason, apart from replacing their head coach. He expressed confidence in the current team and suggested that other teams would envy their roster and draft picks. 

For a Durant trade to occur, he would likely need to initiate the process, which presents a significant obstacle considering his career-long pursuit of LeBron James. Joining forces with James in Los Angeles would not significantly enhance Durant’s legacy, as his accomplishments would likely be undervalued, similar to how his championships and NBA Finals MVPs with the Golden State Warriors were received. 

Additionally, it is uncertain whether the Lakers would significantly improve their championship chances by swapping Davis for Durant. The Lakers’ previous struggles, despite James and Davis’ presence and performance, raise doubts about the effectiveness of such a move.

 It is possible that there was a time when Durant joining the Lakers or teaming up with LeBron was a possibility, but that opportunity has likely passed.