LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were the championship-winning formula produced in the Cleveland Cavaliers camp during 2016. Along with Kevin Love, the duo led the Cavs to their only championship in the NBA history. However, the partnership did not last long as Kyrie Irving decided to leave the franchise. There had been rumors that Irving did not want to play under LeBron\’s shadow, and their relationship had not been the same ever since.
Irving has mentioned several times this season that he wants to play with James again. He regretted making an immature decision, leading to rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers could be the perfect place for Kyrie. The Brooklyn Nets point guard is looking for a long-term contract, and his franchise does not agree with him. Irving can end his $136 million contract with the Nets to enter the free agency next season.
Meanwhile, the seven-time NBA All-Star will earn a $36.5 million salary if he stays with the franchise for the 2022-23 season. However, Brooklyn is unsure of Kyrie\’s future and does not want to sign a long-term contract with him. Hence, the 2012 Rookie of the year could be a part of a blockbuster Lakers-Nets trade that is blowing up the minds of the league executives. If the Lakers opt for the trade, they could reunite the James-Irving combo while getting rid of their $47 million liability in Russell Westbrook.
Lakers Can Flip Westbrook For Irving:
Recently, NBA Insider Sean Deveney revealed his conversation with league executives led to the idea of a Lakers-Nets trade proposal. As per a Western Conference executive, LA could be able to trade Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving as the Lakers would be more willing to offer the latter a long-term contract. Coming from the NBA front office, the proposal has been described as an incredible sway that could be a shocker across the Association.
The NBA personnel further stated that the Los Angeles Lakers might be trading one problem for another one. But, given the circumstances the Lakers are in, they would be willing to live with that. The Nets are reluctant to hand Irving a long-term contract. But the Lakers can take a chance to reunite him with LeBron James.
There is no doubt that Kyrie and LeBron would want to play together again, and they have chemistry. Kyrie also has a history with Davis as the former tried to recruit Anthony to the Boston Celtics in 2019. Evidently, the Lakers have lacked the chemistry on the court with Westbrook in the mix. Thus, recreating a championship combination could be the Lakers\’ best bet this offseason.