The Los Angeles Lakers are having a problem with consistency throughout the current season. After their win against the Pacers, the team was hoping to maintain their winning momentum. But yet again, they failed to capitalize on an early lead and finally lost to the Pelicans. On the other hand, Pelicans came from a ten-match losing streak. So it was a much-needed victory for the Pelicans.
However, the Lakers are back to the 13th seed in the Western Conference, looking for a significant boost. The front office of the Lakers has keen eyes on the trade deadline and looks to get the best possible roster for the following seasons ready.
After the extremely valuable point guard, Kyrie Irving requested a trade out of the then-team Brooklyn Nets, every team, including the Los Angeles Lakers, got very excited to get the eight-time All-Star. Other than them, the Clippers and the Suns also expressed their desire to bring Irving in.
But finally, according to Shams Charania from The Athletic, Kyrie Irving has been traded to Dallas Mavericks. According to sources, the package provided by the Mavericks was preferable for the Nets to build a team revolving around Kevin Durant. The package that the Lakers provided was Russell Westbrook, including two other first-round picks for the 2027 and 2029 seasons.
Kyrie Irving Goes To The Mavericks But Not To The Lakers
The Laker’s package turned out to be not enough for the Nets to trade Irving to the Lakers, as they needed a few more additions. The Nets wanted Austin Reaves and Max Christie, along with swapping of picks. Albeit before, it looked like the Lakers were at the forefront of making a deal with the Nets.
But the Brooklyn Nets chose the Mavericks’ package that includes Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick from 2029, and a couple of second-round choices from the 2027 and 2029 seasons. The Nets are happy with the Mavericks as per their plans at present in the Eastern Conference.
Anthony Davis Wants His Team To Focus On Nothing But Winning
In the midst of these trade discussions, the Lakers Star Anthony Davis mentions, “we are not thinking about these rumors because to get the team out of this position, we need to focus on how to get back to winning ways. Winning is what our minds should focus on. If anyone bothers about these trade gossips, they need to clear their heads.” Davis did not seem impressed with these questions on the trade deadline, especially after their crucial loss against the Pelicans. Chance has gone begging for the Lakers, as they could have started a winning streak.
The Pelicans were going through a losing streak. And the Lakers should not have given them a chance to bounce back. But things did not turn out as the Lakers would have wanted. As Anthony Davis emphasizes on the fact that “we are in dire need of a winning streak. If we want to climb up on the table.” Although Anthony Davis was impressive, scoring 34 points, and LeBron James played well too. King James came closer to breaking the ultimate scoring record. However, the Lakers are going far away from their post-league goals.
