NBA Rumors: LeBron James still pushing LA Lakers to acquire former teammate
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James is reportedly pushing for an overhaul of the roster in the offseason. The Lakers have already added several new players for the upcoming season and James wants them to make a move for Kyrie Irving as well.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the four-time Finals MVP is keen to reunite with his former teammate, whom he believes can replace Russell Westbrook for the 2022-23 season.
Kyrie Irving grew disgruntled with the Brooklyn Nets this summer after he was not given a max contract extension. Irving exercised his player option, hoping the Nets would trade him.
The King badly wants Kyrie 👀 https://t.co/d9R6xmdpCj
However, with Kevin Durant's future also up in the air, Brooklyn has not prioritized a trade involving Irving.
Can LeBron James and the Lakers make it work with Irving?
The Lakers may have the assets required to pull off a trade for Irving. The Lakers can offer Russell Westbrook and a few other players in exchange for Irving. However, the Nets may not entertain this trade as they are reportedly not keen on Westbrook either.
Kyrie Irving in his 3 season with the Nets:
27.1 PPG
4.7 RPG
6.0 APG
1.4 SPG
49.0 FG%
40.6 3P%
92.0 FT%
6 playoff wins
Time to reunite with LeBron? https://t.co/yHNec2Vk6U
Nevertheless, if the Lakers do land the merurial point guard this summer, they will have a formidable big three at their disposal in Irving, James and Anthony Davis. All three are incredible offensive players and can carry the Lakers to the postseason and potentially a deep playoff run.
Kyrie Irving is one of the most prolific scorers in the league. Having played alongside LeBron James before, chemistry won't be an issue. This was a problem the Lakers had last season with Westbrook and James.
If Davis can stay healthy for a majority of the season and the Irving trade comes to fruition, the LA Lakers will have one of the best offenses in the league.