Compared to when the news originally broke, trade rumors involving Kyrie Irving have become much less frequent. NBA fans and media couldn't help being antsy about a massive superteam breakup underway in Brooklyn. Things have been quieter since, as many have realized that a deal is going to take a while, but reports have emerged that the Los Angeles Lakers still have hope.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wsaZIZrrM0YHuxwMRJN2Z?si=891136084af34d8e
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, members of the Lakers roster have “optimism” about the trade:
“[The situation] was noted throughout NBA circles, with strong beliefs that the Lakers’ biggest stars have been pushing for the team to trade for Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving,” the report states.
Just because Lakers players want to land Irving doesn't mean the deal will be official overnight. There's a reason it hasn't already. Irving is a star with leverage and just opted into a lucrative player option. Situations with those kinds of circumstances typically take a while, and the Kevin Durant situation also hangs all over this.
It doesn't help the Lakers that they have their own financial anchor cast at point guard right now. Former league MVP Russell Westbrook opted into a $47 million player option after struggling last season with the Lakers. Westbrook will possibly need to be moved in a trade for Irving in some capacity, which won't be an easy task. His inconsistent play over the last four seasons and big contract turns teams off from Westbrook.
Little information has been revealed on how the Nets feel about Westbrook, or if he's garnering any attention from other teams. Whether they deal with each other or not, the situations in Brooklyn and L.A. are far from over.
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