Although Irving could’ve made the Lakers the favorites to reach the NBA Finals or even win the world championship, he would’ve come with lots of baggage.
He was suspended for eight games earlier this season after promoting a documentary with antisemitic content. Last season, he refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, which resulted in him sitting out most of the schedule.
Reportedly, these off-the-court incidents made some in the Lakers organization reluctant to go all-in on an Irving trade.
Via The Orange County Register (h/t Lakers Daily):
“While one person with knowledge of the team’s interest in Irving told Southern California News Group that high-level team officials had serious concerns about his professionalism and availability – especially considering that the Lakers would have had to at least consider extending him on max or near-max money beyond this season – according to Bleacher Report, the team was willing to part with both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to get the deal done.”
Los Angeles also didn’t love the idea of giving Irving the type of contract extension he had demanded from the Nets — a demand which led to his trade request.
Via The Athletic:
“As reported by the Los Angeles Times and The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Lakers were seeking to sign Irving to a two-year, $80-plus million extension upon acquiring him, the most they could offer before June 30. That would have tied Irving’s tenure to LeBron James, who is under contract through the 2024-25 season (with a player option for the final year). Irving, however, preferred to enter 2023 free agency, with the goal of signing a four-year deal for about $198 million after June 30. The uncertainty regarding Irving’s future in Los Angeles beyond this season stopped the Lakers from increasing their offer.”
Perhaps if it weren’t for those concerns, the Lakers may have included a bit more capital that would’ve gotten the Nets to say yes to them.
“Second, the Lakers were not willing to include Austin Reaves and/or rookie Max Christie in the deal if Irving was not going to agree to the two-year contract extension, according to league sources. The Lakers view both players as key members of their young supporting cast, not merely throw-ins.”
It is now back to the drawing board for them, which means trying to work out a less attractive trade in order to give themselves some sort of chance at not only making the playoffs but also making some serious noise…
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