3: Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is a bonus because he won a championship with Cleveland in 2016 and has played alongside James. However, he’s more of an unrealistic option for the Lakers but at time same time, there’s still a chance.
Irving is a part-time player for the Nets and it doesn’t seem as if he’s going to get vaccinated to change that. He didn’t sign an extension with Brooklyn back in October and because of those two things, a possible trade isn’t as far off as it may seem.
Although the point guard’s only played in 11 games this season, he’s been playing like he’s been at it all year. He’s averaging 22.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Irving’s shooting 46.4% from the field and 37.1% from the 3-point line.
The Westbrook trade hasn’t panned out as hoped for the Lakers which makes a trade for Irving feel a bit more attainable.
During the 2019 offseason, Irving was supposedly “open” to signing with Los Angeles in free agency. Irving and James had a rift after the guard requested a trade from the Cavaliers but the two have since rekindled their relationship.
We know how good the Irving-James duo is.
Irving signed a four-year, $136 million contract with the Nets ahead of the 2019-20 season. He’s making $36.5 million this year and if he doesn’t opt into his player option with Brooklyn during the offseason, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent.
First, the Lakers need to find a trade partner for Westbrook. And the Nets would have to be willing to give up Irving. That means that there’d be a lot that’d have to be done in the coming days but it’d be a great move for Los Angeles.