Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Mike Conley, F Bojan Bogdanovic, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving

Some folks will prefer either of the other scenarios for the Los Angeles Lakers. They’re certainly lower-risk propositions.

Mike Conley isn’t your typical NBA star, but he’s a high-end contributor. Beyond his floor spacing, he’s a high-feel playmaker who always makes the right decision. Meanwhile, Bogdanovic is a well-rounded offensive wing, and Patrick Beverley is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.

With that said, none of those players even approach Kyrie Irving’s on-court impact.

He’s one of the most talented basketball players of his generation. He’s also one of the most volatile, combustible, and unreliable. Still, we saw him respond to LeBron James’ leadership once. The result was an NBA championship amidst four straight trips to the Finals.

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If the Lakers are in a position to gamble on a similar outcome, it would be hard to justify passing on it.