Throughout the summer, the big story hanging over the Los Angeles Lakers was their attempts to trade Russell Westbrook and some combination of draft picks for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.
Those attempts, of course, failed, and Irving and Kevin Durant instead re-committed themselves to the Nets franchise — for now.
Irving opted into the final year of his contract early in the offseason, and unless he signs an extension, he will become a free agent next summer.
There have been reports the Lakers are trying to clear a max salary slot so they could pursue Irving. But another report indicated they don’t have him in their long-term plans.
Regardless, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith seems convinced Irving will find his way to the Purple and Gold after this season, one way or another.
Stephen A: "This is [Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving's] last season together. They're not re-signing with Brooklyn. Kyrie is trying to go to Los Angeles. That's what he's trying to do now." pic.twitter.com/HJnDOrGm3z
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 12, 2022
There will likely be many more suggestions or reports that either Irving is determined to join the Lakers or the Lakers are determined to nab him in free agency.
However, the reality is that if they do so, they may effectively be punting this season, and every season could potentially be LeBron James’ last as an elite or near-elite player.
