One of the most electrifying superstars today, Kyrie Irving, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022-2023 season ends. But, before the season even ends, rumors about Kyrie signing with the Los Angeles Lakers are already spreading like wildfire. Will we finally see him reunite with LeBron James in Hollywood? Could it be true that Kyrie Irving is already finalizing to sign with the Lakers for the 2023-2024 NBA season? Let’s discuss all the possibilities and what could be next for Uncle Drew’s basketball career.
Kyrie x LeBron: Kyrie Irving to the Los Angeles Lakers next season?
A few weeks ago, LeBron James was open about recruiting Kyrie Irving. Before the trade deadline, there were rumors that Kyrie Irving to the Lakers was already a done deal after the superstar point guard requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. However, the trade did not push through and Kyrie ended up in a Dallas Mavericks uniform, alongside another superstar, Luka Doncic. But, after Dallas Mavericks failed to even make the Play-In tournament, questions are being raised about which team should take Irving.
The rumor about LeBron and Kyrie reuniting resurfaced after the latter was spotted during the Lakers vs Grizzlies playoff game on April 29. The two were seen hugging it out and shaking hands before the tipoff.
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LeBron James x Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/EGpPdgsWpL
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 29, 2023
It seems like an open secret that LBJ is once again recruiting Kyrie Irving to the Lakers. Since Kyrie will become an unrestricted free agent next season, there’s a high chance he will be moving on from Dallas and pursuing another team. The question is – Will Kyrie be signing with the Los Angeles Lakers? While it’s just purely a rumor and speculation, Kyrie seems to be interested in teaming up with LeBron James again.
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The two won a championship together for the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2016. Along with Anthony Davis, they could form another big three that could be a great championship contender. Previously, the Lakers were one of Kyrie’s preferred teams, but the Nets rejected every offer from the Lakers. Now that Kyrie is a free agent, the Los Angeles Lakers are the top contenders in landing the 31-year-old point guard.
Do the L.A. Lakers need Kyrie Irving?
Right after trading Russell Westbrook, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to bounce back. From being the 13th seed and initially only getting a 0.3% chance of getting in the playoffs, the Lakers managed to reach the Play-In tournament. Now, after beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, they will be advancing to the semi-final round.
The Westbrook trade they made in February allowed them to acquire Malik Beasley, Jared Vanderbilt, and D’Angelo Russell. Obviously, their roster improved as they are already steps closer to the 2023 NBA championship. Although Russell is a good point guard, he is nowhere near Kyrie Irving’s level.
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Furthermore, everyone wants to see K.I. with LeBron again as he could be a great help so that the team can contend in the Western Conference. However, the Lakers do not necessarily need Kyrie on their team. They’re already a good squad with LeBron and Anthony Davis, but they can get better with Kyrie.
Other teams that could pursue Kyrie Irving in the offseason
In the free agency, the Lakers aren’t the only team looking out for Kyrie Irving. Here are some other NBA teams that could sign the 8-time All-Star next season.
Phoenix Suns
There’s no denying that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are great buddies, best of friends even. After breaking up in Brooklyn, the two landed on separate teams. Durant went to the Suns, and Irving landed with the Mavericks. Before the trade deadline in February, the Phoenix Suns also wanted to take Irving from the Nets. They offered Chris Paul and some draft picks, but the Nets declined.
The question now is, do the Suns still want to pursue Kyrie in the offseason? There is still a possibility to this option but the Suns have some sacrificing to do.
Miami Heat
Despite beating the first-seed Bucks in the first round, the Miami Heat still needs another superstar to pair with Jimmy Butler. However, the Heat does not have much cap space to immediately sign Kyrie Irving.
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To be able to land Irving, they need to ask Dallas for a sign-and-trade deal and offer Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, and some guys like Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, or Cody Zeller in exchange for Kyrie. It’s not the best scenario for the Mavericks, but it still looks possible.
Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can’t seem to catch a break. Most of the time, they are out due to injuries. After a disappointing 2023 playoff run, fans want the Clippers to disband the Leonard-George project.
There are currently three high-paid players on the Clipper roster (i.e. Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook), which means they either have to release at least one of them or the team could spend a hefty amount to just sign Kyrie Irving. They did, however, make an offer for Kyrie back in February. But, would the Los Angeles Clippers make a move to sign Irving and in return, make the sacrifice of trading one of their stars?
Do you think Kyrie Irving and LeBron James will reunite next season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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