The Los Angeles Lakers have been utterly interested in signing Kyrie Irving ever since the Duke product expressed his desire to leave the Nets. What is more interesting about Irving coming to the Lakers is the chance for a reunion between Irving and LeBron James. The front office of the Purple and Gold franchise might be counting on the chemistry between the two, which is good even to this day.
Even LeBron James was very optimistic about the Irving trade. Furthermore, it seemed like James was looking forward to play alongside Irving for the Lakers. The James-Irving duo had an excellent record for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They reached the finals a number of times but won it only in 2016. Their friendship grows to even this day. Hence, the Lakers went all in to sign him in. But it was not meant to be back in February.
Lakers Might Take Some Tough Calls To Sign In Irving
In this year’s free agency, Kyrie Irving moved to Dallas Mavericks. It was very disappointing for the Lakers because they offered Russell Westbrook, with a few first-round and second-round picks for 2027 and 2029 to the Nets. But still, they were not able to sign him in. However, the Lakers got a good deal later that brought their campaign this season back on track. From nowhere, the Lakers made the postseason. Currently, they are enjoying a healthy lead over the Grizzlies in the round 1 of the playoff series. But these new entries to the LA side will also become free agents after the season is over. So what are the Lakers planning to do in the future?
Recently, Steve Bulpett, a Heavy insider, spoke to an NBA Executive about what the LA side may do to build the roster for the future. The Lakers might be ready to sign a contract with Kyrie Irving that is worth $233 million. They have to look at a lot of things before they make the decision. For instance, LeBron James has reached the twilight of his career. Hence, his stay with the team for the foreseeable future is a question the Lakers will ponder about. Also, Anthony Davis may not stick around for a long time. According to the anonymous NBA Executive, “AD does not have a great love for the game.”
Is Bringing Kyrie Really Worth It?
The Maverick’s point guard is the perfect replacement for the eight-time All-Star, who is leading the Lakers through the playoffs currently. Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis are both eight-time All-Stars. Kyrie won’t give the LA side any discount. Hence, there is a chance that the front office of the LA side might give up on the assets of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura to bring in Irving. It won’t be an easy call to make.
As Hachimura and Russell both are prospects for building the future Lakers team around. Anyway, after Irving moved to the Mavericks, it did not help the Dallas franchise that well. As the Mavericks did not make the postseason. Not even the play-in tournament. Moreover, the Mavericks went 8-12 with Kyrie Irving in the lineup. Hence, it is not only about a single player. Instead, the team needs depth. That’s what is most important.