Kyrie Irving

Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is the biggest fish the Los Angeles Lakers could stand to haul this summer. Making it happen will not be easy, but with that said, it may be possible.

The formula for an Irving-to-Los Angeles deal is pretty consistent. You’ll see similar deals elsewhere. Essentially, these two sides would need someone to take Westbrook’s salary with sweeteners attached.

The Charlotte Hornets may be motivated to do so. They’d likely prefer to lean into their youth movement rather than roster quality, but overpaid veterans like Hayward and Rozier.

For the price of a first-round pick and a swap, they could justify absorbing Westbrook’s expiring contract for one season.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving Trade To Los Angeles Lakers Matter Of ‘When’ Not ‘If’

Meanwhile, the Lakers are taking a massive risk here. They’re parting with two first-round picks and a swap to land a player who’s become so unreliable that he’s on the trade block. That’s the cost of doing business with LeBron James on our roster.

On the flip side, at least they’re landing a player that they know James can play with.