“Along with LeBron and AD, you have every single thing you need to win, plus, LeBron gives you keys to franchise" - NBA analyst believes LA Lakers are best fit for Kyrie Irving if he leaves Nets
Over the past few days, Kyrie Irving has become the hottest name in basketball with the start of free agency around the corner. Following reports that the All-Star guard and Brooklyn Nets are at an impasse in contract discussions, Irving may decide to head elsewhere in free agency.
Ahead of the NBA Draft, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowksi reported that Kyrie Irving has given the Nets a list of teams he'd like them to consider for a possible sign-and-trade. Among those mentioned were the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.
ESPN Sources: If Kyrie Irving can’t reach an agreement to stay with Brooklyn, he has a list of teams he’d like them to consider on sign-and-trades, including Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Mavs and 76ers. None of those teams have cap space to sign him without Nets’ help.
Multiple analysts have weighed in on where Kyrie Irving should end up, and the Lakers continue to be the most common answer. Along with LA needing a major shake-up after missing the postseason, Irving has connections with the team in the shape of LeBron James.
During a recent appearance on ESPN, Max Kellerman dove into why Kyrie Irving should join the Lakers and reunite with James.
"Along with LeBron and AD, you have every single thing you need to win a championship. Plus, LeBron gives you the keys to the franchise, 'this is gonna be yours.'"
Kyrie Irving should considering options outside of Lakers
Max Kellerman made some valid points, but an argument could be made that Kyrie Irving would be better off joining a team outside the Lakers. The main reason why he shouldn't have his sights set on LA is that a deal between the Lakers and the Nets seems unlikely.
As a star-level talent, Irving is going to command a sizeable deal. For the Lakers to make a deal work financially, Brooklyn would have to take Russell Westbrook and his massive contract. Between his dip in production and previous history with Kevin Durant, the Nets are unlikely to take what the Lakers have to offer.
While Irving would instantly turn the Lakers into title contenders, there are still some question marks. Not only is LeBron James getting up there in age, but Anthony Davis has also struggled to stay fit.
LeBron x Kyrie duo was so fun to watch. 🔥
(via @ThrowbackHoops)
https://t.co/5R5Xhl6Gpy
Instead of joining the Lakers, Irving should have his sights set on the other team in LA. With Kawhi Leonard fully healthy, he and Paul George will be ready to make some noise in the Western Conference. Adding Irving to their ranks would give the Clippers arguably the best big three in the league. The Clippers also have the assets to work out a sign-and-trade that would entice Brooklyn.
The idea of playing alongside James might be enticing to Irving, but he should still strongly consider all of his options heading into the summer.