Former Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins warned LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers of a big issue that could plague them in the upcoming season if the Kyrie Irving trade doesn’t go through. The Lakers front office has been trying to trade Russell Westbrook to the Nets for some time now to facilitate a reunion between 2016 NBA champions LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. However, Perkins expressed concerns for the Lakers organization if the trade doesn’t go through.

The Lakers had a disappointing season this year, finishing 11th in the West. In fact, they even failed to qualify for the play-in tournament and had to settle for a record well below .500. That is especially embarrassing for a team with three MVP-caliber players and multiple future Hall-of-Famers.

Injuries and a dysfunctional roster with aging superstars contributed to the Lakers‘ debacle. However, Russell Westbrook was mainly held responsible for the team’s dismal showing. The ball-dominant guard failed to deliver off the ball with LeBron James as the floor general and shot terribly from the field.

Perkins warns LeBron James and the Lakers of a big problem

As it turns out, the Lakers have been trying to trade Russell Westbrook for some time now. In fact, the LA team is trying to land Kyrie Irving from Brooklyn in exchange for the 33-year-old guard.

Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has pointed out a major issue that the Lakers might face if the trade doesn’t happen. “They have to be very careful,” warned the 37-year-old. “If they don’t get Kyrie Irving, how are they gonna get Russell Westbrook to buy back in and to get the best version of himself.”

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In other words, Westbrook could feel betrayed and stuck in LA if the Lakers fail to trade him. Therefore, LeBron James and the Lakers could face difficulties getting a 100% from the 2017 MVP.

The problem with a Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook trade

Kyrie Irving recently exercised his $36.9 player option putting off a potential reunion with LeBron James. However, the two former Cavaliers could reunite if Irving accepts the Lakers’ mid-level exception.

In that case, he would have to give up about $30 million. Because the Buss family has limited resources to provide over the luxury tax.

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Do you think the Lakers could land Kyrie? Let us know in the comments.