Smith: Lakers plan to recruit Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook

THE Lakers are reportedly working on a crazy recruitment blueprint that could ruin a major rival while stealing two superstars.

Oklahoma City Thunder v Orlando Magic

THIS will make a 9-40 record a bit easier to stomach.

Stephen A. Smith went on ESPN Radio on Friday and laid out the Lakers’ dream scenario: an Oklahoma City coup, in which first Kevin Durant then Russell Westbrook arrive in Los Angeles.

Durant, a free agent after this season, has been linked with Washington — where he grew up — but most envision him re-signing with the Thunder. A Lakers team that has some young talent and a senescent Kobe Bryant retiring after this season — and enormous cap space — may lure Durant, though not many have believed it would be enough.

According to Smith, a vague promise of Westbrook landing in Los Angeles a year later has a “big possibility” of pushing Durant over the top.

“Keep in mind this,” Smith said on the “Mason and Ireland” radio show.

“One of the biggest reasons I’m told that Kevin Durant may have the Lakers at the top of his list is because the Lakers have been led to believe, by whom specifically I do not know, but the Lakers have been led to believe that it is a very good chance that the following year Russell Westbrook is coming.”

Russell Westbrook could be ballin’ in Los Angeles.

While rumours have flown about discord between Durant and Westbrook through the years, as they are wont to do when two superstars are on a team in a sport with one ball, Smith said their friendship may compel them to play together in L.A.

“This notion that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook ain’t tight, that they don’t want to play together, that is a lie,” he said. “They love each other, and they love being on the same team. … And if it so happens to be in the L.A. market, all the better.”

Also of note: Smith and Durant have a history, one that includes the Thunder forward calling Smith a liar.

“I don’t talk to Stephen A. Smith at all,” Durant told Oklahoman beat writer Anthony Slater in October, after Smith reported Durant was leaning toward playing in Los Angeles next season. “Nobody in my family, my friends, they don’t talk to Stephen A. Smith. So he’s lying.”

The Lakers are also expected to have a strong chance of picking up Aussie rising star Ben Simmons at the 2016 NBA draft.

Simmons is expected to be recruited with the No. 1 pick at the draft on June 23.

The NBA’s draft lottery in which the order of picks is decided will be held on May 17.