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LeBron James is in New York to potentially recruit Kyrie Irving to Lakers

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Staples Center on October 29, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers could be very close to completely changing the outlook of the team next season and beyond. Things are looking bleak after a disastrous season with Russell Westbrook but the Lakers might be able to flip that for another all-star guard in Kyrie Irving.

It now seems more likely than not that Irving will not be a Net next season as negotiations between him and the team have reportedly turned acrimonious. With the Lakers being on the list, and the New York Knicks being interested in overpaying a different point guard, the door is wide open for Kyrie to re-join LeBron James.

Stephen A. Smith said that Kyrie is already calling LeBron to talk about potentially reuniting and there might actually be fire where there is smoke in this instance. LeBron recently posted several workout videos to his Instagram and those with a keen eye will realize that he is working out in New York City.

The walls behind the basket read “Summit New York”, which is where NBA trainer Chris Brickley works out players. Would LeBron James, the second greatest player of all time, fly all away across the country just to work out with Brickley? That seems unlikely. He has to be in town for other reasons.

Perhaps LeBron James is in New York City to personally recruit Kyrie Irving to the Lakers.

We know that LeBron James has influence over what the Los Angeles Lakers do and we know that he has not been shy in the past about connecting with players about teaming up in the future. LeBron and Klutch Sports were the ones pulling the strings for the Anthony Davis trade.

It was LeBron and AD who reportedly wanted the Lakers to trade for Russell Westbrook last summer and that desire absolutely influenced what the Lakers decided to do. LeBron and AD probably connected with Russ in some capacity, so this would be no different if he was connecting with Kyrie Irving.

Irving certainly can force his way to Los Angeles if the Nets want to get something rather than nothing for him leaving. While it seems insane that Irving would opt out of his deal and take a Taxpayer MLE with the Lakers, this is someone who sacrificed half his salary last season. Money might not be everything to Irving, who could get promised a bigger deal after the 2022-23 season.

Just that possibility should force the Nets’ hands into doing business with the Lakers. However, LA would still have to find a third team as the Nets would be worse off in trading for Westbrook. Looping in a third team is not a massive hurdle and is something that can easily be done.

Perhaps that is what LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are planning out in New York.