Kevin Love has been identified as a free agent target, and the LA Lakers are the big favorites to acquire him. However, they cannot wait another season (in mediocrity) to sign him. He could wear purple and gold before the deadline.

Reports from CBS have the Lakers preparing a trade package to acquire Kevin Love now. This has often been speculated, but the report claims actual offers will be made. From Ken Berger, CBS:

"The Lakers and Mavericks are trying to assemble trade offers for prospective free agent Kevin Love, but thus far the Timberwolves have given no indication they'll consider moving the All-Star forward by Thursday's deadline, league sources told CBSSports.com.

Any Lakers offer would have to include Pau Gasol, whose $19.3 million contract comes off the books this summer. Rival executives believe the Lakers' best chance of moving Gasol is to a team that views him as worthy re-signing to a more reasonable deal this summer -- not as a rental. The Lakers also can offer their 2014 first-round pick, which has value. With Kobe Bryant out indefinitely, the Lakers are tied for the fourth-worst record in the league."

It seems like a no-brainer for the Lakers to trade for Love. They are very confident that he will re-sign with them and his game would compliment Kobe Bryant. While they will not make the playoffs this season, Minnesota will probably not make it either.  The main motivation for acquiring Kevin Love before the deadline is to lure a free agent this summer. According to Hoopshype, the Lakers have about $ 35 million in salary cap space at the end of the season, and even if they acquire Love's $ 15 million, another star could join them to form a new Big Three. For Minnesota, they can start their rebuilding process early, instead of waiting for Love to leave them.

One possible snag for the deal would be Minnesota's possible insistence to acquire the Lakers' first round draft pick in 2014. It will be a high pick since the Lakers will be in the lottery. Protecting the pick will be the deciding factor. The Lakers do not have any other pieces the T-Wolves would covet.

The Mavericks have not hinted on their package, but it would not include Dirk Nowitzki or Monta Ellis. Dallas could be Kevin Love's ticket to the playoffs as they are still in the Top 8 in the West.