The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for a chance to sign in Kyrie Irving for a long time now. It is due to the chemistry between Irving and James. Both had great memories while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving was part of the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers side that won the 2016 championship. Since then, they have been really good friends.
Last February, James mentioned that he would like Irving to join the Lakers. It was a chaotic time as Irving suddenly declared that he wanted to leave the Brooklyn Nets. Even the Lakers were ready to trade Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyrie Irving. Moreover, the front office offered a few second and third-round picks from the 2025 and 2027 picks. But the Brooklyn Nets decided to trade him to the Mavericks. Apparently, the Dallas franchise offered them a better deal. But now, things have changed as Kyrie Irving is a free agent, and the Lakers don’t want him anymore.
The Lakers Do Not Want Irving Anymore
Kyrie Irving was present in the Crypto.com arena when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies in Game 6 to win the series 4-2. It was a tricky game for both sides. If the Grizzlies had won, they would level the series. And the chances are in Game 7, the second seed would beat the seventh seed. It would have been all over for the Lakers. Kyrie Irving is a free agent after the Mavericks failed to make the postseason. Hence, the old friend of James might be hoping for a new contract call from the Lakers’ front office. But watching the game, Irving perhaps realized that the Lakers don’t need him anymore. Maybe that’s why Irving left the arena after the third quarter. The Lakers dominated Game 6 as they won by 40 points.
The Athletic’s Joe Varden is of the same opinion that the Lakers are better off without Irving. Varden feels that if the LA side has to buy Irving, that would mean giving up on essential assets like the deadline signings. These players changed the luck of the team this season. It won’t be wise if the Lakers lose them for Irving. Furthermore, no matter what happens in the semis against the Warriors, the purple and gold have found a balance in the roster that works well around AD and King James. Hence, the Lakers need to keep a lot of players in the offseason when they become free agents.
The February Trades Working Miracles For The Purple And Gold
Whatever happened in February changed the luck of the Lakers. They thought bringing Irving back together with LeBron James would solve their problems. But God works in mysterious ways. Irving went to Dallas, but the LA side got some really good players from a three-team contract with the Timberwolves and the Jazz. The LA side must keep Austin Reaves on the roster during the offseason, no matter what he demands.
The fans are still upset after the team lost Alex Caruso to Chicago Bulls. The Bald Mamba was a fan favorite for the time he wore the purple and gold uniform. The February trades turned the season on its heads for the LA side. The Mavericks could not make the postseason with Kyrie Irving. However, the LA side did not just make the postseason, they have also reached the Western Conference semi-finals. And now, the Lakers will face the defending champions, Golden State Warriors.