Kyrie Irving has been one of the most talked-about players this past 2021-22 season and it was not because of his skills on the court but due to his personal beliefs. His name is now back in the news, this time being linked to a potential trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Brooklyn Nets and Irving are at an impasse concerning his future with the team.
This news should not come as a shock to anyone because of Irving’s behavior during the regular season. Before the start of the season, NYC required all players to be vaccinated to enter the Barclays Center.
Many players were opposed to getting the vaccine but ultimately almost every player but Irving decided to get vaccinated. Matisse Thybulle also had to sit out the 76ers’ games in Toronto because of his decision as well.
Although Irving could play in away games, the Nets decided against allowing him to play in cities where the vaccine was not enforced. Eventually, due to multiple Nets players missing games because of the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Brooklyn decided to allow Irving to play in away games.
Irving was also allowed to play in his first home game of the season on March 27, after Mayor Eric Adams lifted the mandate. But despite having Irving back full-time for the remainder of the season, the Nets were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
Kyrie Irving could be what the Los Angeles Lakers need but he also comes with risks.
Brooklyn was picked by analysts and commentators as the favorite to win the NBA Championship in the 2021-22 season, but ultimately their season turned out to be disappointing and some cite the drama surrounding Irving as the reason why.
With June 29 slowly approaching, the Nets can either trade Irving, commit to his demands, or Irving can decide to opt-out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.
And according to Bleacher Report, Los Angeles is one of the teams Irving wants to be a part of.
Irving in a Lakers uniform at first thought may seem amazing but with every player, they have pros and cons.