The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Kyrie Irving was stopped cold in its tracks earlier this week when it was announced that Kevin Durant rescinded his trade request and the partnership between him and the Brooklyn Nets would move forward. The Lakers had been trying for months to acquire the NBA superstar guard but to no avail.
Recently, they even made their first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 available, something they were hesitant to do previously. The Nets still had no interest in a deal, and now we know why; they were working diligently to change Durant’s mind and bring the band back together for one more run.
As a result of that news, Los Angeles had to pivot elsewhere to upgrade the team. They made a deal with the Utah Jazz, acquiring point guard Patrick Beverley in exchange for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson.
Beverley will be an upgrade at the position given his skill set as a secondary playmaker, great 3-point shooter, and excellent defender. The last two are especially important compared to what the team received from Russell Westbrook last season.
Not surrendering any draft capital likely means the Lakers have something else in the works for this season. But, some people within the organization already have an eye toward the 2023 offseason.
That is when Irving becomes a free agent, and Los Angeles will have money to spend. While they aren’t going to acquire him right now via trade, the franchise is confident he will eventually be donning the purple and gold.
“You talk to people over in Los Angeles, they still really feel like Kyrie Irving is coming to them next year. I’m curious to see how that goes over with recent events.”
That update comes via The Athletic NBA Show on Spotify. While the Nets have put their drama aside from now, it could very well pop up again in the future. The 2023 offseason is a long way away and a lot can change between now and then.
Should Irving seek a change of scenery once again, you can be sure that LeBron James and the Lakers will be at the front of the line waiting to sign him.
More NBA News & Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers & Kyrie Irving
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