USA Today via Reuters
Mar 17, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) and forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 17, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) and forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
We are nearing the end of the February 8 trade deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers are yet to make a significant move to improve their roster. Several Lakers players have been rumored for a potential trade before the deadline, including the in-form D’Angelo Russell. After a slow start to the season, D’Lo has been playing great since his name started getting mentioned in the trade rumors.
Despite D’Angelo Russell’s impressive scoring outburst, 4-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins suggested the Lakers front office to swap Russell with Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Uncle Drew has been on the Lakers’ radar for several years. And Cousins believes they should pursue the former Champion to become title contenders. Cousins suggested that the Lakers should also put Rui Hachimura in the trade package with D’Angelo to lure the Mavs front office for a Kyrie Irving exchange.
Boogie Cousins wants to see a Kyrie-for-DLo swap between the Mavs and Lakers; if I am Nico Harrison there is NO WAY that I’d make that deal, even if LA threw in Rui Hachimura and whoever else, even if they could make the salaries work.
Nico: Do not. Pick up. The phone. pic.twitter.com/dM1bJyYbch— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 8, 2024
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Cousins claimed the D’Angelo-Kyrie swap would be great for both teams. D’Angelo could play the role of Jalen Brunson alongside Luka Doncic and be the second star for them. Adding Hachimura would significantly improve the Mavs’ defense and make them a more playoff-ready team. Meanwhile, Kyrie would be a great fit for the Lakers alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Cousins also suggested that Rob Pelinka should pursue Bulls guard Alex Caruso before the trade deadline to get better on defense.
Read More: “I Can’t Control That”: D’Angelo Russell Leaves it to Fate as Trade Rumors Heat Up Before Deadline
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While the 4-time All-Star was confident with his trade suggestions, his Bully Ball Podcast co-host Rachel Nichols laughed it off. Nichols said that it would be a bad trade for the Mavs because Kyrie is a proven superstar in the playoffs and thrives in pressure situations. Meanwhile, D’Angelo has a history of choking in the post-season like he did last year against the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals.
The Kyrie Irving-D’Angelo Russell trade is unlikely to happen
Even though Boogie believed in the D’Lo-Kyrie swap, the trade is unlikely to happen before the deadline. Kyrie has been playing great for the Mavs despite his injury woes. He is finally playing drama-free basketball this season, averaging 25.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 5 rebounds. Kyrie has built incredible chemistry with Luka in a brief span and fits perfectly into the role of the second superstar. There is no reason for Mavs GM Nico Harrison to trade Kyrie while he is playing at an All-Star level.
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Although D’Angelo has been playing great recently, he is no match for the stardom and talent of Kyrie. The Lakers might stick with D’Lo after his recent resurgence and consider moving other pieces to improve their roster.
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