After a tumultuous start to the season off the court, things quieted down in Brooklyn and Kyrie Irving helped power the Nets to the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference.
As often seems to be the case in Irving’s career, however, the harmony didn’t last long. On Friday it was reported that Irving has requested a trade before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. Irving is in the final year of his four-year, $136 million contract, but the Nets reportedly have not had serious conversations with Irving about a extension.
If Irving is not traded, according to Shams Charania, he will sign elsewhere as a free agent this summer.
Los Angeles has long been viewed as a potential destination for Irving, and with the Lakers fighting just to make the playoffs, the team may be desperate enough to weather Irving’s volatile personality.
Here’s what fans and analysts are saying about the Lakers potentially landing Kyrie Irving:
The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential suitors for Brooklyn Nets All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023
ESPN Sources: Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving has not shared a list of preferred teams, but he has maintained an interest in the Lakers. LA is expected to be among the teams that’ll explore a possible trade with the Nets.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2023
If the Lakers believe Kyrie Irving can get them back to the NBA Finals this season in a wide open West where they are just three games back of the No. 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round, they have to do it even if it means parting with two first round picks.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 3, 2023
Kyrie Irving has requested a trade and has informed the Nets that he prefers to move on ahead of the trade deadline or will leave in free agency in July.
Kyrie and Anthony Davis were together after the Nets Lakers game 👀👀pic.twitter.com/j3pm8VaYZq
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) February 3, 2023
I’ve made my position on this clear. I don’t think the Lakers should trade for Kyrie Irving.
But I think the Lakers are going to try to trade for Kyrie Irving in the next week, and I think there’s a very good chance that they ultimately acquire him. https://t.co/ZuiD5KezG8
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS)
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