The Los Angeles Lakers have cap space for one max-contract this season. Here are five reasons they should pursue Kyrie Irving to fill that spot.
The Los Angeles Lakers season did not go according to plan, to put it lightly. According to Robby Kalland of Uproxx.com, since February 1st, the Lakers have the second-worst record in the NBA, a far cry from expectation for the Purple and Gold.
While a lot of this can be put down to injuries to key players, even more blame can be put on poor roster construction and the inability to land the second superstar Magic Johnson had promised.
If this season for the Lakers has proven anything, it has shown that it is essential that they land a second player capable of carrying the offensive load, that much is certain from the poor showing this season.
With the playoffs being missed for the sixth straight year, the Lakers focus will now turn to the offseason, namely free agency.
There are a number of players who they can target in free agency with the likes of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Kemba Walker and DeMarcus Cousins available, but not many would be a hand in glove fit for LeBron James and Co. However, one player who has proven in the past to be a great fit next to LeBron is superstar point guard, Kyrie Irving.
With the superstar point guard’s future uncertain in Boston, and LeBron James and the Lakers brass desperate to get back into championship contention, a reunion could be beneficial for both parties, especially if the Lakers were able to land New Orleans Pelicans superstar power forward Anthony Davis via trade
Here are 5 reasons why the Lakers should go after Kyrie this summer.
5. Irving has played with LeBron before and won
The most obvious reason for a reunion between LeBron and Kyrie is simple. Kyrie and LeBron have won together and reached the pinnacle together.
They were able to come back from a 3-1 deficit to beat an all-time great team in the Golden State Warriors in 2016. They each knew when to dominate and defer, and it led to a pairing that caused the Warriors enormous problems over a seven-game series. The Warriors were able to overcome the Cavaliers in the next season with the addition of All-World small forward, Kevin Durant, who went on to win the Finals MVP.
With Kevin Durant seemingly having one foot out the door according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports with his eyes seemingly set on New York, this is the ideal opportunity to get the band back together and see if they can once again beat the Golden State Warriors and reach the promise land.
4. Is the second scoring option needed to push the Lakers to the next level
One thing that was abundantly clear all season is that the Lakers are in dire need of a consistent secondary scoring option. While the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram have performed admirably in this role, they haven’t done enough to force their way into this role long term.
With Irving, you have a player that will likely demand a double team every time he touches the ball. His ability to score in a multitude of ways makes him an extremely potent weapon on offense. There were so many occasions this season where his ability to catch fire would have easily won the Lakers numerous games. The floor spacing for the Lakers would have significantly improved as well, allowing for more uncontested shots.
Add Kyrie’s championship level experience, All-NBA caliber talent and ability to take over as a No. 1 option at any period of time and you have the perfect recipe for a secondary scorer.
3. Fits in perfectly next to the Lakers young core (or if they were to go for Anthony Davis)
With the possibility of landing Anthony Davis via trade by no means guaranteed at this point in time, it is essential to add a player who can not only make a major impact to the Lakers team but also someone who could make a seamless transition to playing with LeBron and the Lakers young core if nothing happens on the Davis front.
With Lonzo Ball considered the de facto point guard for the Lakers, what is the point in bringing in another point guard to compete with him and potentially take his job? I actually think that Lonzo and Kyrie would play incredibly together.
Lonzo could still run the point and Kyrie could play as a shooting guard, which would suit his offensive skill set ideally.
With Lonzo, LeBron and Kyrie all capable of taking over playmaking duties at a high level, it would cause opposing defenses nightmares, as at any point during a possession, you have three elite playmakers capable of making plays.
Not only would this be a joy to see, it also takes the ball out of LeBron’s hands and saves him from taxing his body during the regular season, keeping him a lot fresher for the playoffs.
2. Kyrie is a perfect building block to build upon when LeBron retires
There will eventually come a day when the immortal LeBron James will have to retire. That will be a very sad day watching one of the greats of the sport on and off the court bid a farewell to the game he dedicated his life to.
On that day the Lakers need to be prepared. The Lakers have learned that hard way with Kobe Bryant and the farewell tour. They need to prepare years in advance for LeBron’s retirement.
Landing Kyrie Irving would allow for the Lakers to have a bedrock on which to build upon for the long term future. At 27 years old, Kyrie has some of the best years of his career ahead of him, which is a scary proposition. In addition, his star power and likability amongst NBA stars would lead to numerous players wanting to play with him in the future.
Above all else, the Lakers need to learn from their previous mistakes. You cannot rest upon the brand recognition of the Los Angeles Lakers anymore to be enough to land superstars in free agency.
You need to have a plan long term for winning and doing whatever is necessary to reach the pinnacle again. With Kyrie and LeBron, the Lakers would have a short term and long term plan to win.
1. Brings more excitement back to Staples Center
While its true that Los Angeles loves star power.
Whether it’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Clayton Kershaw with the Los Angeles Dodgers or Todd Gurley with the Los Angeles Rams, one thing Los Angelenos love more than anything is a player who can mix flash and highlight reel plays with big-time production.
Look no further than Kyrie Irving to accomplish that.
Not since the days of Magic Johnson would the Lakers have a point guard that electrified the crowd into a state of frenzy. Whether it’s with a no-look pass, crazy handles or ankle-breaking crossovers, Kyrie would bring a different level of excitement to Staples.
If the Lakers were able to add Anthony Davis via trade, you would have highlight reels on a nightly basis. Nightly lobs to Anthony Davis, Kyrie breaking every ankle in sight and LeBron with thunderous slams in transition.
With cap space to spend, numerous trade assets at their disposal and the bright lights of LA, can LeBron and Kyrie join together for another championship? Here’s hoping we find out.