Google News NBA insider reveals why Kyrie Irving trade to Lakers hasn't happened yet
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The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly don't want to give up a second first round draft pick and that's why Kyrie Irving hasn't yet been traded to the Lakers, according to Jovan Buha of ESPN.
The Lakers have interest in acquiring Irving from the Brooklyn Nets, while Irving is reportedly very much interested in reuniting with LeBron James in Los Angeles.Jovan Buha on ESPNLA right now: Lakers don’t want to give up a 2nd first round pick.
If Lakers were to give up a 2nd first Kyrie would be a Laker right now. — Swiderman (@LeSwiderman) July 12, 2022
The Lakers went hard after Russell Westbrook last summer but the former NBA MVP had a very disappointing first year in Los Angeles and the belief is that the Lakers would absolutely love to replace Westbrook with Irving.
However, getting Westbrook in a potential trade package doesn't appear to be too satisfying for the Nets, who want future first round draft picks for Irving. The Lakers are reportedly willing to attach one first round draft pick but are reluctant to include a second first round draft pick.
Reportedly, there is not much interest in acquiring Irving and the Lakers don't want to give up too much since they are probably the only bidders for Irving's services.
Irving expected to end up in Los Angeles?
Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane reported that the belief around the NBA is that it's only the matter of time Irving officially becomes a Laker.
“There were some rumors going around that I saw on the Twittersphere that the buzz in summer league was that the deal is going to get done with Kyrie Irving, and I do want to confirm that,” Lane said. “Now, I’m not saying it’s done.
I’m not saying it’s definitely happening. But I am saying that the general consensus from everybody that I spoke to out there — and I did talk to a lot of people — the general consensus was that sooner or later, Kyrie Irving will wind up with the Los Angeles Lakers”.
If the Lakers land Irving, that means the end of the Westbrook era in Los Angeles. Just last week, new Lakers head coach Darvin Ham defended Westbrook. “Counted out prematurely,” Ham said regarding Westbrook.
“Counted out. Prematurely. I’ve had some great interactions with Russ, in person, over dinner, over the phone, over text messages." Even though Westbrook seems to be liked by his new coach, that doesn't mean that he will be a Laker next year. Lakers' top star James wants Irving and that reportedly doesn't sit well with Westbrook.
