The first domino of the 2019 offseason fell just two days after the official ending of the 2018-19 season with the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers could also potentially have another max salary slot available as a result of the deal.
There are already rumblings about which star will join Davis and LeBron James in Los Angeles. Kemba Walker is one of them, but another is Kyrie Irving, who, according to a report by David Aldridge of The Athletic, has wanted to play with Davis for quite some time:
If Davis waives his $4.7 million trade kicker, the Lakers will be able to add another star in free agency on a max contract. Whether it’s Kemba Walker, whom the New York Times’ Marc Stein reported as a potential Lakers target, or Kyrie Irving, whom sources have maintained for months wants to play with Davis, someone dynamic will likely be on the ball next season in L.A. (Cap guru Albert Nahmad pointed out Saturday that the Lakers might wait until July 30 – 30 days after draft picks can sign their contracts, after which L.A. could operate as an “over the cap” team-to officially execute the trade; Davis could also keep his trade bonus.)
Boston Celtics fans are probably rolling their eyes at this after their dreams of a Davis-Irving duo were dashed. Rumors have made it seem increasingly likely that Irving will leave the Celtics and sign with his hometown Brooklyn Nets, but perhaps the acquisition of Davis could ultimately swing the tide for Los Angeles.
Then, of course, there's also the appeal of a reunion party with LeBron James. While Kyrie initially wanted to get out of LeBron's shadow, they have reconciled and could join forces once again.
A LeBron-Kyrie-AD trio would instantly put the Lakers among the top title favorites heading into next season.
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