5 players the Lakers might replace D’Angelo Russell with by the trade deadline
By Jason Reed
The Lakers could replace D’Angelo Russell with Kyrie Irving
Unfortunately, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers going after Kyrie Irving. The team did not trade for him at the deadline last season and it seemed like LA had no interest in a sign-and-trade over the summer. But a lot can change in half a season.
LeBron James has made it incredibly well-known that he wants to play with Irving again in his career and the clock is ticking. There definitely is a world in which the Lakers aren’t as good as expected and LeBron attempts to leverage the team.
LeBron can float his player option for next season as a reason to trade for Irving. The promise of LeBron opting in and playing one more year in LA before leaving to play with Bronny James could be tantalizing for the Lakers. It wouldn’t be the first time that the Lake Show has made a move because of pressure from LeBron.
Dallas just re-signed Kyrie this offseason but there is also a world in which they want out by February. Kyrie doesn’t leave the best mark on franchises and it very well could be another Westbrook situation but for Dallas. In February, a three-for-one trade for Kyrie may sound amazing for the Mavs.
It is worth noting that Russell and Rui Hachimura’s salaries almost match up perfectly to what Irving is making next season. There are very few Lakers fans that would be happy with this kind of trade and while it is less likely, it cannot be ruled out completely.