Kyrie Irving is apparently bent on playing with the Los Angeles Lakers next season.
According to some reports, Irving’s trying to force his way to LA from Brooklyn. And a report Saturday even suggested that the Nets and Lakers are already discussing a potential deal that would involve Russell Westbrook.
The Lakers and Nets hold some “optimism” that the deal could be struck, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo!
Haynes wrote that there are hurdles to clear, however, writing that the Nets “want shooting guard Joe Harris – who is recovering from left ankle surgery – and the remaining $ 38.6 million he owed over the next two years included in the deal.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers prefer Seth Curry over Harris.
Irving, a seven-time All-Star, signed a one-year tender with the Nets on Monday after previously pondering opting out, suggesting he is primed to fit up for the Nets next season.
But Kevin Durant turned that assumption into an afterthought Thursday afternoon with his surprising trade demand. And not long after Durant asked out, Irving-to-L.A.. rumors took their own lives.
While Saturday’s report of Irving-for-Westbrook talks on progress was interesting, the question remains: Why should the Lakers go all-in for the seven-time All-Star?
In the eyes of FOX Sports NBA writer Ric Bucher, the Lakers definitely need to make an urgent push.
How seriously should the Lakers pursue Kyrie Irving?
How serious should the Lakers pursue Kyrie Irving?
Kyrie Irving chose his $ 37 million player option with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week. However, reports say that he was “focused on forcing himself to the Lakers. See the article : 2022 NBA free agency direct updates: Kevin Durant wants to play with Devin Booker, the best free agents available.” Ric Bucher shares the main reason LA should be all-in Kyrie.
“I’m all in the Lakers getting Kyrie Irving,” he said Friday on “Speak For Yourself”.
“What are their alternatives?” she asked. “How else would they get better? What other high caliber players say, ‘I want to play for the Los Angles Lakers’? He’s going to force his way to the Lakers, but he’s not going to have to. Force his way out of the Brooklyn Nets. With KD out the door. , they are more than willing to move Kyrie. “
For Bucher, Durant’s trade demand changed everything for the Irving trade market.
“The Lakers aren’t adding pieces to KD and Ben Simmons anymore. Now, all that has changed. It’s very possible that the Nets will be willing to take back less for Kyrie in the sign-and-trade, and therefore look at that in addition to the reduction. That works for the Lakers, they don’t have to give up as much as they should in advance for Kyrie.
“Also, KD has explained that he wants to play with Kyrie Irving. I don’t see any way that they get KD now, but where is the Lakers going? How long are they going to have LeBron [James]? If they let Kyrie now – no matter what happens This season – that means you can beat Kevin Durant, it will definitely beat Kyrie. Contender by the way there, but he definitely improves them on some level. I don’t see any other option for them to improve. “
When the Lakers first asked about the availability of a star point guard, Brooklyn’s interest in striking a deal with L.A. Can Durant’s change of heart lead to a different attitude from the Nets about Irving?
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