The Los Angeles Lakers might be preparing to sign Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant when he becomes an unrestricted free-agent in the summer of 2016, a league insider disclosed on Monday.

The Lakers are apparently setting their sights on the three-time scoring champion once he tests the free-agency market two seasons from now.

According to a recent report from LakersHolics.com, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is reportedly on the look out for a big trade that would free up more than $20 million in salaries and luxury taxes.

Unfortunately, the only trade that would give the Lakers financial flexibility moving forward is the deal involving All-Star power forward Pau Gasol.

Gasol, who will become an unrestricted free agent after this season, has been on the trading block for quite some time as the Lakers attempt to use his expiring contract in exchange for assets in the form of draft picks and young talents.

"Mitch Kupchak has said all along that the Lakers' cap space may be used in a trade instead of via free agency, though having a contract like Lopez's that runs until 2016 would mean that the team would probably be unable to chase the likes of Kevin Love in 2015," reported Lakerholics.com.

"It would also mean that the purple and gold would have a ton of cap space when Kobe Bryant's contract comes off the books and Kevin Durant becomes a free agent in 2016."

The Pursuit for Kevin Durant

Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will likely retire at the end of his lucrative two-year, $48.5 contract extension. After Kobe hangs up his sneakers for good, the Lakers will usher in a new era of basketball, and the proud franchise is apparently leaning towards making Durant the face of the team.

At 25 years old, Durant has already accomplished many noteworthy achievements in his career. Durant has been a perennial All-Star and All-NBA first team member for four consecutive seasons and was the scoring champ for three straight years before finishing second last year to Carmelo Anthony.

The Lakers are expected to push hard to acquire Durant in 2016, even if that requires shelling out tons of money. Durant will command a contract worth more than $100 million when he becomes an unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his career.

On the other hand, the Lakers have a history of hammering record-breaking deals with free-agent superstars - the most recent and popular free-agency signing the Lakers accomplished was with future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, who bolted from the Orlando Magic for the fame and fortune of Hollywood in '90s.