Lakers ‘Pessimistic’ About Completing Kyrie Irving Trade

Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Los Angeles Lakers have become one of the most heavily linked teams to Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving following his trade request. The NBA All-Star starter is widely expected to be playing for a new team after the February 9th deadline.

It’s no secret that LeBron James would appreciate playing with his former co-star Irving. He already has proven to be a successful on-court partner, given their successful run winning the 2016 NBA Finals despite facing the 73-9 Golden State Warriors.

With the Lakers needing to add Russell Westbrook’s contract in a possible trade for Irving for salary-matching purposes, there will naturally be obstacles in getting a deal done. The Nets do not have an interest in acquiring Westbrook’s deal, requiring the involvement of a third-team.

There would need to be compensation sent to the Nets and a third team to take Westbrook’s deal, making the outlook bleak for getting a trade agreement.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Lakers & Brooklyn Nets Updates

According to Dan Woike of LA Times, there is pessimism within the Lakers about the chances of competing for a trade for Irving ahead of the midseason deadline. The contract demands Irving has been atop the list of reasons.

Changes could be coming – the trade deadline is Thursday. But after a day of rampant speculation, there’s pessimism that the Lakers will swing a deal for Kyrie Irving, because of the star Brooklyn point guard’s contract demands in free agency this summer, sources with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly told The Times.

Is the Lakers’ involvement in the latest NBA trade rumors a distraction for the players? James made clear that everyone should be used to it by now, considering the midseason deadline is an annual factor that every player has to deal with.

“It shouldn’t be an issue. The trade deadline happens every single year,” James said. “You go out and focus, no matter what happens. You’re still a professional.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Lakers & Brooklyn Nets Updates

And while James said he didn’t want to speak for the Lakers’ front office about possible trades, he didn’t quibble with the notion that Kyrie Irving, who has requested a trade and won a title with James in Cleveland, could help the Lakers.

“That’s a ‘duh’ question when talking about a player like that,” James said.

As far as alternative point guard trade options go, we’ve been told to keep an eye on Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors. Other teams pursuing Irving’s services include the Dallas MavericksPhoenix Suns, and LA Clippers.

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