NBA News Roundup, Thursday, April 25th: Clippers backed to beat Lakers in race to sign Kevin Durant, Jason Kidd's NBA return and more

The 2019 playoffs are now in full swing as we quickly approach round two of the playoffs. Elsewhere, already eliminated teams are gearing up for potential pivotal summers, with teams focused on both the upcoming draft and one of the most exciting pool of free agents in recent memory. So, here are all the stories from around the NBA that you need to know for April 25th.

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Jason Kidd to the Lakers?

Kidd has previously coached the Nets and Bucks

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on the search for a new coach having parted ways with Luke Walton last week. The Lakers have been linked to the likes of Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue, and ESPN's Dave McMenamin is reporting that Jason Kidd is also a contender:

Kidd becomes the third candidate to meet with the Lakers, following Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Monty Williams and former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue, who both interviewed last week. Miami Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard is also scheduled to interview for the job, sources told ESPN, and Williams and Lue are expected to have follow-up sessions.

Kidd’s interview was with general manager Rob Pelinka and team executive Kurt Rambis and was conducted at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo, California. The interview with the Hall of Fame point guard lasted for several hours, sources told ESPN.

Kidd had some success with a loaded Nets team earlier this decade, but burned out in Brooklyn. After jumping at the chance to earn more power within a franchise in Milwaukee, Kidd left the franchise he once helped turn around in New Jersey.

During his days as a player, Kidd was named an All-Star on 10 occasions, while also winning the 2011 NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks. As a a coach, he most recently spent four years with the Bucks before being fired after the team posted a 23-22 start to the 17/18 campaign.

Clippers backed to sign Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is backing Durant to head to the Clippers

Both Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer, and according to ESPN's Stephen A Smith, both player's could head to the Clippers:

I haven't spoken to KD (Kevin Durant) about this. I haven't spoken to Kawhi (Leonard) about this. I could tell you that's the scuttlebutt circulating in certain areas, particularly in Los Angeles, where I was just a few days ago.

The Clippers are incredibly, incredibly optimistic that they’re going to get one of them and they're going to have a good shot at both. They like their chances. Certainly better than the Lakers. Certainly better than both teams in New York City.

The Clippers have the cap space to add both Durant and Leonard, and Leonard, in particular, is believed to be keen on a return to his native Los Angeles.

LaMelo Ball's 2020 draft prospects look good

LaMelo Ball could follow his older brother Lonzo to the NBA next season

Since bursting onto the national scene in 2017, LaVar Ball has continually expressed his desire to have all three of his sons playing in the NBA. 21-year-old Lonzo was drafted as the No.2 pick back in 2017, while 20-year-old LiAngelo Ball last played for the Los Angeles Ballers.

LaMelo is the youngest of the three Ball brothers, and ESPN's latest Draft Express is predicting that the 17-year-old will be an early second-round pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Ball has stood out for both his ball-handling skills and proficiency as a three-point shooter. Just like LiAngelo, the youngest Ball has spent time with the Ballers and among his most notable performances of late include the 55 points, 16 rebound and seven assist display he enjoyed against New York.