Putting the Kyrie-to-LAL rumors to rest

For some days, word on the net had said that one of the league’s most unpredictable point guards wants a reunion with this generation’s GOAT. It was said that Kyrie Irving wants out of Brooklyn and gave out a list of his preferred teams that included the LA Lakers, LA Clippers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat.

He requested and received approval from management to seek alternative contract scenarios and the rumor became even more intriguing when it was reported that he was willing to take lesser money and opt out of his contract just to sign with the Lakers.

The rumor then led to a report that star teammate Kevin Durant had monitored the situation and considered options as to his future.

Recent developments had killed the gossip when Kyrie decided to opt into his $37million player option on the final year of his 4-year contract and remain in Brooklyn. Opting in means he is still eligible to be traded to any other team in the league and there will be no waiting period for the Nets if and when they decide to deal him.

An Irving-to-LA move was a remote possibility as there never was a sign-and-trade package available. The Lakers don’t have cap space and the only way they can have Kyrie and his contract is to likewise ship out Russel Westbrook, which Brooklyn doesn’t want. He must opt out, become an unrestricted free agent and sign a $6million taxpayers’ exception to go to the Lakers. Kyrie is not that desperate to play and have a $31 million pay cut.

Why would the Lakers then show interest in Kyrie when they still must settle the Westbrook situation?  Likely, they’ll be with him for at least the 2022-2023 season.  As per reports, the Lakers are waiting for his decision whether to have his second tour of duty with the Lakers and the $47 million due him the next season.

GM Rob Pelinka had said that the team will welcome Westbrook if he decides to come back. New head coach Darvin Ham had been in contact with Westbrook and was reported that he is willing to focus more on defense and play off the ball. This would mean that LeBron James will still be the primary playmaker.

As of latest update, there are 18 players on the roster including draft pick Max Christie. 12 of the 18 players are guards. Only Dwight Howard is a true center which could be playing somewhere else considering he’s a free agent.