The?Los Angeles Lakers, who were notoriously poised to improve their roster significantly over the weekend, failed to make any moves. Since?Kyrie Irving?requested a trade from the?Brooklyn Nets, the NBA world slipped into total mayhem. Many had LeBron James’ Lakers coming out as victors with the Irving-James reunion in Hollywood. However, the King’s aspirations fell flat as the Nets found another suitor in the Dallas Mavericks.
Sources pointed out that salary cap complications were the reason for the trade not going through. However, a recent rumor places the Lakers’ new starboy under the spotlight.
The Brooklyn Nets wanted Rui Hachimura from the Lakers
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Despite all the ethically questionable telltale signs from LeBron James on social media, the Lakers failed to acquire Irving. Pundits and fans in the NBA world point to many reasons for Uncle Drew not joining his former champion teammate in Hollywood. However, one cannot certainly place a finger on the exact complication that failed the Lakers.
However, a recent rumor about the Lakers’ latest acquisition may be the answer.?According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nets, who were constantly in contact with the Lakers’ front office over the weekend, would’ve wanted Rui Hachimura in a potential trade. But their ask for Hachimura was not met by the Lakers due to trade rules governing his tradeability status.
Sources: Lakers are sending the 2023 Chicago second-rounder, their own 2029 second-rounder and the Wizards/Lakers less favorable second-rounder in 2028 in the Kendrick Nunn-for-Rui Hachimura trade.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 23, 2023
This is a fresh development among all the rumors and speculations on the trade framework between the Nets and Lakers. Hachimura emerged as one of the hottest commodities in the NBA trade market this season. Consequently, the Lakers recently traded for the talented forward. However, due to contemporary trade rules, they were not allowed to offer him to the Nets as per their demands.
Likewise, amid other complications, the Nets turned away from LA and successfully got in bed with the Dallas Mavericks. Over the weekend, after a blockbuster trade, Irving is headed to Dallas.
Kyrie Irving headed to Dallas
Mark Cuban and Co. finally managed to place a star-caliber player alongside Luka Donic. In what was deemed a relatively quiet trade deadline market, the Mavericks and Nets came out with a blockbuster trade.
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BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets are trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round and multiple second-round picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2023
The Mavericks acquired Irving in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and two second-round picks. They also received forward Markeiff Moris along with Irving. Only time will tell whether the Mavericks’ gamble to sign the mercurial point guard will pay off.
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Watch the Story – LeBron James chucks aside Lakers trade questions with 5 word
What are your thoughts on the Lakers missing out on Irving? Let us know in the comments below.