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3 reasons why a Kyrie Irving trade is a no-brainer for the Lakers

By Jason Reed

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets on the bench prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 29, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 29: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets on the bench prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 29, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Kyrie Irving’s familiarity with LeBron James

This might seem trivial to some but the fact that Kyrie Irving not only has played with LeBron James but has won a championship with LeBron James is a massive thing. Playing on a team with LeBron is a completely different ball game and if anyone knows what it takes to succeed, it is Irving.

Granted, Irving wanted to get out of LeBron’s shadow in Cleveland and requested a trade, eventually getting dealt to the Boston Celtics. But after not accomplishing much there or in Brooklyn, Kyrie may have come to his senses and will reunite with King James.

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Irving’s play style complements LeBron as well, even with LeBron entering a new stage of his career where he is taking more threes and driving to the rim less. Irving is someone who can take over the offense and give LeBron a break in the facilitating. He is one of the best playmaking guards in the league who can hit his own shot and also be an off-ball presence.

That is such a change from what Westbrook provides in a logistical sense. Kyrie also fits so much better with Anthony Davis, who actively played worse last season when he was sharing the floor with Westbrook. All of the floor-spacing issues would melt away with Irving at the one instead of Westbrook.

Irving has valuable experience in sharing both a locker room and the court with LeBron James, both of which matters a lot if LeBron is going to win a championship at this stage in his career.

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