The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new chapter in their franchise history. After losing a team record 61 games this season, there's a lot of room for improvement. With Steve Nash no longer on the team, Jeremy Lin set to become a free agent, and Kobe Bryant nearing retirement, the Lakers have a lot of salary cap space opening up.

The Lakers have been tied to Kevin Love for years, but should they sign him this offseason? If Love opts out, he could be an option for the Purple and Gold. Let's break down the reasons why the Lakers should and should not sign Love.

Why the Lakers Should Sign Kevin Love

1. He Can Score

Last season the Lakers ranked 17th overall in scoring. Even worse, they ranked 25th overall in three point shots made. Playing in a vigorous Western Conference demands that you score the basketball at a high rate. Love isn't the greatest defender in the league, but he can score. In his last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love averaged 26.1 points per game while making a career-high 190 three-pointers. The Lakers need scoring, and Love could be their guy.

2. Age

There's nothing better than signing a young franchise player to a long-term deal for the right price who fits the system. Love is just 26 years old, but he's a proven player in this league, specifically in the Western Conference. If the Lakers can get Love for a four or five year contract without breaking the bank, this could be a great deal. The Lakers are rebuilding with a younger roster, and Love would be an ideal fit going forward.

3. Lakers Can Offer More

Why would Love even want to stay in Cleveland with the Cavaliers? Sure, he can opt in for $16.7 million next season, but he's taking a pretty big risk. That $16.7 million has no long-term insurance plan, and most likely won't get extended this offseason. Tristan Thompson will definitely get more playing moving forward, and a reduction in playing time might not be what Love wants. The Lakers can offer Love more money, a longer contract and more playing time. Love played his college ball at UCLA.

Why the Lakers Should Not Sign Kevin Love

1. Money

If Love wants to return home to California and play for the Lakers for a discount, then by all means, the Lakers should jump on it. On the flip side, they have to be careful not to offer him a max contract that is only for superstar players. Love is a great offensive player, but reducing the salary cap so dramatically could do more harm than good.

2. Power...Forward?

Technically speaking, Love is a power forward. However he doesn't really play the position the classic way. Love will never be confused for Tim Duncan, Charles Barkley or Karl Malone. There's no doubt he can score, and he has a great touch from beyond the arc for a big man, but he's not an elite power forward. Love doesn't have the post moves like Duncan, the paint presence like Malone, and his defense isn't exactly elite.

3. Other Options

There's no reason for the Lakers to offer too much here. Notable big man free agents this offseason include Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe, Omer Asik and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Lakers also have the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft where they could choose Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns or Frank Kaminsky.

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