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Lakers’ best-case starting five if Kyrie Irving trade falls through

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Tyrese Haliburton #0 and Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers celebrate in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Tyrese Haliburton #0 and Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers celebrate in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Just a few days after it seemed like Kyrie Irving being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers was signed, sealed, and delivered, new rumors are jeopardizing that deal. The New York Post is reporting that even amid Kevin Durant’s trade request, Irving intends to play out his option with the Brooklyn Nets.

While LA shouldn’t admit defeat and stop pursuing Kyrie right now, they need to look around the league for backup options. The Indiana Pacers may be one fertile landscape with plenty of talent to reap, provided the Lakers can find some way to end up ditching Russell Westbrook.

The Lakers still have interest in Buddy Hield and Myles Turner despite the latter’s potentially incongruous fit. Flipping Westbrook to Indiana and getting a package centered around those two in return would be difficult to pull off, but not impossible if another team gets involved.

Patrick Beverley may be essential to making sure the starting five is as good as possible. With the Jazz clearly in no mood to contend, the Lakers and Heat have reportedly been calling Danny Ainge and asking for his services. Beverley as the point guard would at least be a better defensive presence than Westbrook.

The Lakers can rebound if they miss on Kyrie Irving.

Beverley is going to be a net negative for LA this season on the offensive end, but getting someone who can distribute and defend in his unique style could help the Lakers get back to their championship levels on that side of the ball. He may not cost a ton, either.

Turner might have a laundry list of injuries, and Hield’s ability to come through in the playoffs is suspect due to years of playing anonymous basketball with also-ran Kings teams, but both of these players stand to be huge improvements over what LA currently has in their starting lineup.

With Turner’s ability to defend multiple frontcourt positions well and Hield’s marksmanship from 3-point range, the Lakers would have two of their biggest issues from last year fixed up. Beverley coming to town and Westbrook leaving would be the icing on the cake.

With the Pacers apparently interested in making some noise, as evidenced by their pursuit of Deandre Ayton, getting Westbrook would ensure they can have a future Hall of Famer around which they can shape their style of play. Meanwhile, LA could ditch his contract and get a few new starters. Take that, Kyrie!

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