The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly setting its sights on Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant when his contract expires next summer. Rumors are out that the team's desire intensified even more now that Kobe Bryant has announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Sports World Report noted that the Lakers are most probably "beginning to think of life without Kobe Bryant" and the impending unrestricted free agency of the 2014 MVP is something that the franchise will surely not miss.

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While the five-time NBA champion and 17-time All-Star's shoes are not going to be that easy to fill, if there is one person in the league that could do it, then it has to be Durant.

Aside from being a league MVP, the 27-year-old second overall pick of the 2007 draft is a six-time All-Star, 2012 All-Star game MVP, five-time All-NBA First Teamer, 2008 Rookie of the Year awardee, and four-time NBA scoring champion, credentials that are deemed to be enough to replace Kobe in Hollywood's limelight.

Bleacher Report indicated that Bryant's impending exit is "an opportunity for the Buss family and general manager Mitch Kupchak to build whatever type of roster they want-whether it be around D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle's collective skill set, or with a max-level player (or two) at the core."

For sure, getting Durant should be one of the teams' top priorities next summer and the rest of the opportunities will just follow from there.

With the way the Lakers are playing at the moment, dead last in the Western Conference with a 3-15 record, it also appears that they will again have a high lottery pick next year.

Adding a top rookie next year, which according to Fansided could be Ben Simmons, a year of growth for their phenomenal youngsters Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and D'Angelo Russell, and the possible addition of Durant would arguably make L.A. instant title contenders next year.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors, Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant