Most people think there is no turning back from the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook issue at this moment. The fact that Westbrook has received the majority of the blame for Los Angeles’ disastrous 2021–22 season has not gone down well with the guard, who continues to object to the idea of taking on a lower position on the team.
The Lakers are hoping that Russ will return as a defensively-minded player who will position up in the corner for open threes, but Russ might not be too happy about it.
Kyrie Irving to get an opportunity
The possibility of trading Russ for Kyrie Irving of the Nets is too alluring, so the Lakers must keep looking for opportunities to offload him. The Lakers have been unwilling to part with two first-round selections in exchange for Kyrie, whose contract is up for renewal, therefore they are asking for this deal.
One of the most well-known Lakers insiders in the sports media right now is Jovan Buha from The Athletic. Buha came on the “Late Night Lake Show” Twitter page to update the audience on the Kyrie Irving situation, indicating that the Lakers are finally leaning toward trading their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to get Irving.
Best for The Lakers
While Irving is still one of the league’s top guards when he is on the court, the Lakers would be in a much better position if they had Kyrie instead of Westbrook for the 2022–23 campaign. Kyrie, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would make the Lakers a very dangerous team, as evidenced by his 60-point effort from the previous season.
The potential cost of giving up two future draught picks for Irving that will come years after LeBron James retires and the end of the franchise as it is now constituted must also be considered by LA. Lacking those future picks might be disastrous for the Lakers if they are unable to move past the LBJ era and achieve sustained success.
The Lakers are motivated to make a win-now push to retain the 2020 Finals MVP for at least another season or two because LeBron is getting close to free agency. Giving LBJ a good reason to stay would be made much easier by acquiring Irving.
