After a tumultuous start to the season off the court, the situation quieted in Brooklyn and Kyrie Irving helped power the Nets to fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
As often seems to be the case in Irving’s career, however, the harmony didn’t last long. On Friday it was reported that Irving has requested a trade before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. Irving is in the final year of his four-year, $136 million contract, but the Nets reportedly have not had serious conversations with Irving about a extension.
If Irving is not traded, according to Shams Charania, he will sign elsewhere as a free agent this summer.
Los Angeles has long been viewed as a potential destination for Irving, and with the Lakers fighting just to make the playoffs, the team may be desperate enough to weather Irving’s volatile personality.
Here’s what fans and analysts are saying about the Lakers potentially landing Kyrie Irving:
The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential suitors for Brooklyn Nets All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023
ESPN Sources: Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving has not shared a list of preferred teams, but he has maintained an interest in the Lakers. LA is expected to be among the teams that’ll explore a possible trade with the Nets.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 3, 2023
"If [The Lakers] get Kyrie Irving, I mean damn: they should be considered to winning the West."
— Kendrick Perkins#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/QstM9vsIYg
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) February 3, 2023
If the Lakers believe Kyrie Irving can get them back to the NBA Finals this season in a wide open West where they are just three games back of the No. 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round, they have to do it even if it means parting with two first round picks.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 3, 2023
Kyrie Irving has requested a trade and has informed the Nets that he prefers to move on ahead of the trade deadline or will leave in free agency in July.
Kyrie and Anthony Davis were together after the Nets Lakers game 👀👀pic.twitter.com/j3pm8VaYZq
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) February 3, 2023
I've made my position on this clear. I don't think the Lakers should trade for Kyrie Irving.
But I think the Lakers are going to try to trade for Kyrie Irving in the next week, and I think there's a very good chance that they ultimately acquire him. https://t.co/ZuiD5KezG8
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 3, 2023
Fully expect the Lakers to have serious discussions about a possible Kyrie Irving trade.Reminder that his salary and Westbrook’s aren’t a match and the Nets would have to include more salary to make a trade work.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 3, 2023
"If the Lakers get Kyrie Irving they are winning the West."
— @Chris_Broussard reacts to report that Kyrie has requested a trade from the Nets: pic.twitter.com/HUYs85Kxyg
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 3, 2023
If the Nets make a trade with the Lakers for Kyrie Irving they're not doing it because they want Russell Westbrook's expiring contract. He's gone. It will be for future assets. Would the Nets turn down a Lakers trade that includes two future first round picks and Max Christie?
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 3, 2023
“They’re not so sure about trading for him and giving him a 200 million dollar contract at season’s end.”
– ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Lakers interest in Kyrie Irving
(h/t @Alec_Sturm ) pic.twitter.com/jQHl3heiGV
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 3, 2023
Zach Lowe: "I would take the Lakers and the Mavs over the field of the rest of the NBA if Kyrie Irving is traded." pic.twitter.com/M2Bt0q5R86
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) February 3, 2023
Get Kyrie Irving @Lakers @JeanieBuss
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) February 3, 2023
The Nets: We want a haul back for Kyrie Irving
The Lakers: pic.twitter.com/JGNhqggbWa
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) February 3, 2023
If this was apart of some grand scheme by Pelinka. Apologies are in order
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) February 3, 2023
SEND THOSE PICKS NOW ROB PELINKA https://t.co/NamPZOiI0w
— Ry (@JustRyCole) February 3, 2023
Kyrie: I want to be traded
Rob Pelinka: pic.twitter.com/yKbVlM9bIZ
— Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) February 3, 2023
