The trade deadline is just a few days ago and things are already starting to heat up. Former NBA champion and Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving officially requested a trade out of Brooklyn which has sent shockwaves across the basketball world. Irving and Kevin Durant were playing brilliantly together and it seems Irving’s time with the Nets is all but over. One of the potential destinations for Irving is the Los Angeles Lakers who will be looking to reunite him with LeBron James.
However, it is not that easy. The Lakers will have to include a big name like Russell Westbrook and also trade away their future in order to land Irving. Talking on a podcast, Zach Lowe and an ESPN Insider weigh out the possibilities surrounding Irving.
LeBron James and the Lakers should not trade for Irving
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There is no denying that Kyrie Irving is one of the best players in the league. However, his injuries and controversies have made him an unpopular option for teams who do not want to risk it.
Talking about Irving’s future on The Lowe Post, ESPN insider Bobby Marks feels there will be no teams who will offer him a solid three-year contract. Marks said, “I would be blown to smithereens if any team trades for Kyrie Irving and promises him, as part of that trade a guaranteed three years. At least three years fully guaranteed.”
Moreover, he feels the Lakers should not bring in Irving. Rather, the team should keep its picks and play out the rest of the 2022-23 NBA season. He then added, “So if the Lakers don’t offer both first-round picks, if you’re Sean Marks and the offer is Russ and one pick, do you do it? Or do you say, screw it, we’re playing it out. It’s not worth it for us, we are playing it out.”
While analysts around the world would rule out an Irving move to the Lakers, fans certainly want to see that. Seeing LeBron James and Irving together on the court is a dream for many.
Lakers legend wants Irving on the team
Kyrie Irving’s trade request just days before the trade deadline certainly caused some frenzy across the basketball world. Lakers legend Magic Johnson hopped on the debate and gave his take.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Personally, I’d love to see Kyrie in the purple and gold.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 3, 2023
He said, ” “Personally, I’d love to see Kyrie in the purple and gold” which has only increased the fans’ desperation. They want to see LeBron, Irving, and Anthony Davis together on the court and frankly, that might become a possibility very soon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Top Five Iconic Performances of Kyrie Irving
Do you think Kyrie Irving will join LeBron James and the Lakers? Let us know in the comments down below.