Reports: The Lakers should be unwilling to offer Kyrie Irving a long-term contract in the offseason
The LA Lakers and Kyrie Irving had many rumors looming around them during the offseason. Many argued about what it would take for Irving to come to Los Angeles. Irving then publicly announced his commitment to the Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant.
Irving was suspended for at least five games by the Nets on Thursday for his comments in the wake of posting a link to a documentary containing antisemitic sentiments.
The LA Lakers should rethink their willingness to offer Kyrie Irving space on their team. His recent actions regarding the documentary have stirred a lot of negativity that the team does not need at the moment. Also, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said the Lakers were unwilling to sign Irving to a long-term deal when a sign-and-trade with Brooklyn was a possibility in late June.
If anything, the Lakers need a disciplined shooter and role player who can mesh well in the spots they need fixed. The squad has proved that no number of big names can provide instant success. There will always be problems, even with big names.
Kyrie Irving’s fit with the Lakers could present similar issues to those they've had with Russell Westbrook as well. A change-up at this point could disrupt team chemistry more than anything.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook all committed to each other for another season in a public acknowledgement earlier this year. Regardless of things not working well at the moment, breaking up this trio for another controversial guard seems problematic.
Nonetheless, Irving remains one of the best small finishers in the game's history. He and LeBron James have done well when paired together, winning the championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. What would stop them from reprising that chemistry going forward?
There is no telling what direction a move like this would take the Lakers (2-5). The team has obviously not been working with the system they have, even though it's still early in the season.
SB Nation's Anthony Irwin wrote:
“(Kyrie Irving) merely acts childishly, but he’s no child.”
The report about the Lakers being unwilling to sign Kyrie have merit. Irwin’s belief that Kyrie has acted “childishly” is arguable.
Kyrie Irving sidelined in Brooklyn yet again
Kyrie Irving played only 103 of 226 games in the regular seasons in his first three seasons in Brooklyn. In addition to other absences, it was shoulder surgery in February 2020, then it was COVID-19 in 2020 and now it is another politically charged event that has sidelined Irving.
Brooklyn had to respond to COVID-19 much like everyone else. So, the Nets' decision to keep Irving sidelined as he wasn't vaccinated was beyond their immediate control for home games.
With Irving unable to play games in New York City because of the city's vaccination mandates, Brooklyn initially chose not to have Irving as a part-time player. He could have played in away games (other than in Toronto). The Nets reversed that decision in December, and Irving started playing away games in January. The city amended its mandate in late March, freeing him for home games.
After not apologizing during a media availability over the weekend and again on Thursday, the team suspended him.
Irving has been suspended without pay for “no less than five games.”
Statement from the Brooklyn Nets https://t.co/699px8XYpx
Hours after being suspended, Irving later issued an apology on Instagram.
Brooklyn fired Steve Nash on Tuesday. The organization is reportedly interested in hiring suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Irving and the organization continues to dissipate.
Which team is going to bite the bullet and take a dive for Irving if he and the Nets part ways?