On Friday, the NBA’s trade landscape became far spicier when Kyrie Irving asked the Brooklyn Nets to trade him ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline.
Instantly, the Lakers were involved, reportedly trying to work out a deal to reunite Irving with LeBron James, his old championship teammate on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But it wasn’t meant to be. Irving was dealt on Sunday to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2029 and two second-round picks.
According to ESPN, the Lakers and Nets were trying to work something out until the Mavs swooped in midday Sunday.
Via ESPN:
“The Lakers and Nets discussed possible Irving deals on Friday and Saturday, but ultimately the Mavericks’ package gave the Nets a better chance to surround Kevin Durant with players now — as well as the opportunity to acquire three draft picks, sources said. The Nets had been looking at three-way deals involving the Lakers before discussions with the Mavericks came together fairly quickly Sunday afternoon, sources said.”
It’s back to the drawing board for L.A., which suffered a disappointing 131-126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that had been on a 10-game losing streak, on Saturday.
Lakers fans are understandably disappointed that Irving will not be headed to the Purple and Gold, although a few are glad the team didn’t trade for him, given the off-the-court headaches he has caused over the years.
I just need @KyrieIrving to go to the @Lakers. The League is scared of that imo 🤷🏿♂️😂
If we could find a way to get him and get @JordanClarksons back to the @Lakers 🤔💭#KyrieIrving #MrHandle🪀 #UncleDrew #LakerNation 🏆— Billboard Birdy (This is my Second Account) (@Vote4Birdy) February 6, 2023
@Lakers I really don't care if you get Kyrie Irving or not it really doesn't make me no difference if you want to keep these guys you can't keep Austin Reed and these guys long as you got LeBron James on your payroll so what are you going to do trade him that's my question
— Arthur mercer (@Arthurmercer12) February 6, 2023
Rob Pelinka telling LeBron and the Lakers he'll bring Kyrie Irving to LA pic.twitter.com/P60QcMfnUe
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 6, 2023
The fact that lakers weren’t willing to give up AUSTIN REAVES or MAX CHRISTIE for KYRIE IRVING???? Is insane.
— KJ (@keelan_dam) February 6, 2023
Bank account was the problem. 😄😄😄 Could not afford the price Kyrie Irving was asking. The Lakers upper management team wanted Kyrie Irving too as an upgrade to their Big-3.
— Dre Day (@ddpage369) February 6, 2023
4 days before the trade deadline @lakers fumble Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/sL2X8N2D0I
— ⭕️s⭕️ BLK (@OsOthellO) February 6, 2023
#NBA LE BRON JAMES after learning that KYRIE IRVING is heading to DALLAS and that it is possible that WESTBROOK will stay with the LAKERS. The world ended for him lol @KingJames pic.twitter.com/hBGS7IzS1m
— REINNER CARLOS (@reinner28776977) February 6, 2023
Lakers FO deserves blame, but even their max offer for Kyrie Irving wasn’t going to get a deal done.
The Nets had no interest in Russell Westbrook and they couldn’t provide the win now pieces that Brooklyn wanted. https://t.co/f0FkJCWlRR
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) February 6, 2023
As a 40 year @Lakers fan, whew such a relief they didn’t trade for @KyrieIrving. Let him torpedo another organization
— Kevin (@Mr_KGB) February 6, 2023
If Rob didn't throw the whole kitchen at the @BrooklynNets then what does he have under his sleeve thats so special on waiting for? Whats better than getting @KyrieIrving ? @Lakers I know im not the only one wondering this. #KyrieIrving #lakers #nba
— Aksus Kast (@AksusKast) February 6, 2023
Live look at @KingJames finding out @KyrieIrving going to #Mavs instead of #Lakers. #KyrietoDallas #KyrieIrving #Kyrie pic.twitter.com/5z0bD4vGpR
— Ken Jones (@KenJones81) February 6, 2023
🤣 we all saw hope when @KyrieIrving requested a trade! Now we're back to reality.. #LakeShow @Lakers
— Marcus K Smith (@MarcusGritt) February 6, 2023
Whichever team he is traded to, it's okay. And not the Lakers. But we can't stop Kyrie's decision. He looks for a team that is the best offer for him to benefit from. @KyrieIrving @NBATradeReport @TheNBACentral @NBA
— Allan Garcia (@11acia) February 6, 2023
We could of had myles turner and buddy hield.
We could of had kyrie irving
Instead we have a bum GM and a bum owner. #Lakers#JeanieBuss— Danny Strunk (@Dastrunk) February 6, 2023
@KyrieIrving please sign on with lakers in summer of this year, win a ring for KB 2024. I can’t believe you were traded for mav’s unequal offer man, it’s very disheartening to me personally. You playing for the lakers would be so legendary, rich, history in the making. Epic. 🪬
— Waddup (@Z75452573) February 6, 2023
These people have ruined the #Lakers … 🤡🤡🤡#jeaniebuss #LeBron #KyrieIrving pic.twitter.com/EpU0BQOdaE
— MidCity L.A.Ⓜ️ (@23rdStand10thAv) February 5, 2023
