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The dream starting 5 the Lakers lost after getting ditched by Kyrie Irving

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

2. The Lakers could have traded Russell Westbrook for Gordon Hayward

The Los Angeles Lakers would have had to trade Russell Westbrook if they just brought Kyrie in on the MLE. There could have been a world in which the Lakers loop in the Hornets in a three-team trade, getting Westbrook off the books and getting Brooklyn some talent in return.

However, if the Lakers would have gotten Kyrie for a small $6 million then they might as well split the two transactions and get the talent themselves. Granted, it would create some more cap maneuvering needed in the future with Hayward under contract for another season, but it would have also given the Lakers insurance if they don’t really want to give Kyrie a new contract after this season.

The Lakers’ price for Hayward is not as high as originally expected as the Hornets were reportedly shopping a first-round pick with Hayward in order to get him off the books. Westbrook is still a huge contract to get in return so the Lakers might have to trade some draft capital, but it won’t be as bad as previously thought.

The absolute most the Lakers would have to trade is a future pick swap, which is fine considering the Hornets will likely have a bad pick in the future. At worst, the team would just keep their 2027 first-round pick.

Another contract would have to be attached to Hayward. Kelly Oubre or Mason Plumlee makes the most sense and the best-case scenario for the Lakers would be Plumlee, as he would provide quality center depth for the team.

The Lakers could still do this without Kyrie but it might not be worth the risk without having the all-star point guard in town.

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