The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets, and there’s no doubt that this was a disappointing outcome for the team.
After this season, it is quite likely that the Lakers will make some changes to help themselves get over the hump and become a championship team once again. It seems as though superstar LeBron James has an idea of what to do.
“LeBron James wants the Lakers to replace Russell with Irving, sources told Heavy Sports. However, Los Angeles doesn’t have the cap space to sign Irving, who is looking for a max contract,” reported Ashish Mathur of Heavy Sports.
There is no doubt that Kyrie Irving is a better player than D’Angelo Russell overall, and he notably won the 2016 championship with LeBron James during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They already have experience playing with one another, and Irving would be a great acquisition for the Lakers.
This season, Kyrie Irving averaged 27.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 5.5 APG during his time with the Brooklyn Nets and the Dallas Mavericks. He is an All-NBA talent when healthy, and we’ll see where he ends up after free agency.
The Dallas Mavericks Don’t Want To Help Kyrie Irving With A Sign-And-Trade
A Kyrie Irving sign-and-trade with the Lakers might not end up happening, as it was recently reported that the Mavericks don’t plan to assist them with a sign-and-trade if D’Angelo Russell is the centerpiece of the deal.
“Unless the Lakers somehow make Austin Reaves available in a return sign-and-trade or decide they’re willing to trade Anthony Davis — and they won’t — there’s really no reason for the Mavericks to assist Los Angeles if Irving chooses to sign there. Especially not if D’Angelo Russell is the consolation prize,” The Athletic’s Tim Cato wrote.
“It requires tact, but the Mavericks should simply tell Irving upfront what contract they would like for him to re-sign, and while he certainly has the right to leave, they don’t plan to assist any other team in acquiring him. They have the most appealing offer.”
It is clear that the Mavericks’ preference is to keep Kyrie Irving rather than let him leave for nothing or a subpar sign-and-trade return. There are some who believe that the star is destined to stay with the team, and we’ll see whether the two parties can work out an agreement.
