The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Kyrie Irving since the NBA All-Star has a rapport with LeBron James. The Dallas Mavericks guard becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, so he could leave Luka Doncic for James.
However, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told reporters during his exit interview that he wants to maintain roster continuity, which means he may not pursue Irving this summer once free agency starts.
The Lakers only have three players under contract for next season: James, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie. D’Angelo Russell, Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Schroder, and Troy Brown Jr. become unrestricted free agents this summer, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura become restricted free agents, Malik Beasley has a club option and Jarred Vanderbilt and Mo Bamba have non-guaranteed contracts.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Multiple reports have stated that the Lakers plan to re-sign Reaves and Hachimura, which would probably eliminate the possibility of the LakeShow getting Irving since both Reaves and Hachimura are expected to command a lot of money in restricted free agency.
However, the Lakers and Mavericks could do a sign-and-trade deal involving Russell and Irving since both guards are free agents. In a May 18 story titled “Lakers’ Hypothetical Blockbuster Trades to Shake Up NBA Offseason,” Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Lakers trade Russell and a future first-round pick to the Mavericks for Irving.
“Kyrie Irving is a natural target for the Lakers even though The Athletic’s Tim Cato reported they’re ‘uninterested’ in pursuing him this offseason,” Buckley wrote. “The Lakers valued Irving enough to offer two future first-round picks (the most they could trade) to the Brooklyn Nets before the mercurial guard was sent to the Mavericks. When Irving went elsewhere, James didn’t hide his disappointment. That surprised absolutely no one, since the pair previously led a championship run together on the Cleveland Cavaliers.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Irving and James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 championship over the Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers were 132-51 when LeBron and Kyrie were in the lineup together from 2014-15 to 2016-17.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
