Los Angeles Lakers have had a great run in the 2022-23 season, which sadly ended with them getting defeated in the Western Conference finals. Now, as the off-season approaches, most of the NBA teams, including the Lakers, have started formulating plans for the free-agent market. Purple and Gold made some bold moves in the last two years, which majorly worked in their favor. However, one move backfired so badly that the team’s lead striker, LeBron James, had to take the blame.
Prior to the commencement of the 2021 NBA season, the Lakers traded point guard Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. Apparently, LeBron James and Anthony Davis pressured the Lakers’ front office into the trade despite their resentment. Eventually, the team’s worst fears came true as Westbrook proved to be an utter disaster on the court, mainly because he struggled to adapt to the Laker’s playing approach. Now, as another off-season is approaching, the Lakers might make the same mistake as LeBron James continues with his pressure techniques.
LeBron James Apparently Persuading Lakers To Trade His Ex-Teammate Kyrie Irving
Veteran point guard, Kyrie Irving, is set to hit free agency this summer. Having played for three different teams in the past six years, the guard parted ways with his current team, Dallas Mavericks. Moreover, the rumors have it that Irving’s ex-teammate, LeBron James, is making a case for him at the Lakers front office. James wants to reunite with Irving, with whom he won the championship in 2016. But what the 38-year-old fails to understand is he is not the same anymore. Giving into LeBron’s pressure and trading Kyrie Irving could be the Lakers’ biggest off-season mistake. The guard has struggled with injuries, inconsistent play, and unruly tantrums over the past few seasons. After leaving Cleveland, not once has he managed to play over 70 games per season.
NBA writer Mark Medina has claimed that word around the free agent market is Kyrie Irving remains “one giant headache.” The teams remain unhappy with his injury history and unprofessional attitude. Hence, nobody wants to land the guard at a hefty price. But for the Lakers, LeBron James’ say matters a lot. But if they have learned anything from the miserable Russell Westbrook trade, the team would choose not to move ahead. Also, the Lakers can afford to upset James for now by not adhering to his demands, as his own future in Hollywood is in jeopardy. James has threatened retirement after the finals loss and will probably take the whole summer to come to a final decision. Hence, the Lakers must stay miles away from Kyrie Irving if they want to avoid another Russell Westbrook situation in the future.
NBA GM Claims Nobody In The Lakers Team Except LeBron Wants Kyrie Irving
Point guard Kyrie Irving will stay a hot topic this summer as he is set to enter free agency. After arriving in Dallas from Brooklyn, the guard remains unhappy and wants to part ways. Moreover, as per the latest rumors, the Lakers might trade Irving, but against their own wishes. As per an anonymous NBA GM, nobody in the Lakers wants Irving on the roster. The GM spoke to heavy sports and said that it’s just LeBron James who remains keen on landing the point guard. The others have displayed an underwhelming sentiment on the whole matter.
Moreover, the NBA official added that it’s once again a fight between LeBron James and Laker’s front office. The last time such a showdown happened, James won, and the Lakers landed Russell Westbrook. We all know what unfolded after that. Hence, the GM insisted the Lakers not let LeBron win this time.
