If the Los Angeles Lakers made a play for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to join LeBron James, it would be nothing short of cataclysmic.
In the end, however, having the big three of all big threes could be worth the chaos.
Not long after Kyrie opted in to his player option with the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant signified his desire to be traded. And not long after that, rumors swirled about Kyrie probably forcing his way out west to the Lakers no matter what.
.@WindhorstESPN says the Lakers could make a play for both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant 🤯
"It has been floated to me. … That the Lakers would potentially have a package that you could trade for both of them." pic.twitter.com/vpp7uXc3Ku
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2022
That last bit is not shocking. After all, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be strong contenders to acquire Kyrie. There's all the history between LeBron and Irving, which resulted in the 2016 NBA title. On paper, that reunion could still work wonders for any franchise, especially one like the Lakers.
In addition, there is the belief that Durant reportedly still wants to play with Kyrie. If this is accurate, then the Lakers could make a run for both Kyrie and KD to team up with LeBron.
Lakers trade offer for Kevin Durant AND Kyrie Irving
That could be an amazing team worthy of true showtime in California. Their combined star power would be out of this world. Also, assuming they're healthy, the Lakers could have potentially the most potent big three in recent NBA history.
To make this happen, however, the Lakers would need to put together a deal that would be attractive to the Brooklyn Nets.
That should involve no less than the tandem of Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook plus multiple future draft picks. Throw in maybe a role player or two as well, especially given the low regard in for Westbrook's production right now in the NBA.
The salary cap would also be a concern. This is why giving AD and Russ seems like the Lakers' best shot at this ridiculously improbable opportunity. Remember that the Lakers would still need to match Durant's contract (up until 2026) in order to acquire both players.
There is some risk, of course. Keep in mind that Irving played in just 29 games last season. And while he would be able to play in California, there is still significant uncertainty about Kyrie's mind space heading into this coming season.
When Kyrie does play, though, he is elite. There's no doubt about that.
Irving tallied 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per contest last season, despite the scarcity of games in which he saw action. He also shot 46.9 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from beyond the arc. Again, when Kyrie goes on the floor, he's quite the sight.
As for Durant, everyone knows what he brings to the party. The 12-time All-Star put up 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while playing for Brooklyn last year. He also shot 51.8 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Team Kyrie and KD with LeBron, and that's maybe the best trio in the league bar none.
Durant playoff win% with Steph:
— 78.6%Kyrie playoff win% with LeBron:
— 75.0%Durant playoff win% with Kyrie:
— 46.2% pic.twitter.com/jzuyz7632n— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 30, 2022
On paper, this would be the perfect chance for the Lakers to beat the Golden State Warriors. They can maybe return to the NBA Finals, and perhaps win it all again.
So again, for this to even be remotely possible, nothing short of AD, Russ, maybe both or either Avery Bradley (if he re-signs) and/or Talen Horton-Tucker plus multiple picks might just do the trick.
The Nets may say, however, that they would never want to have a Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons tandem. They would definitely love to have Anthony Davis in the fold, though.
This super team featuring Kyrie, KD, and Lebron may yet happen. Despite that, the more fans think about it, the more ridiculous this prospect could be.
If the Lakers manage to pull it off, though, then they have the potential to be this season's bona fide title favorites.
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