Lakers rumors: Kyrie Irving plans to sign with Los Angeles in 2023

The seven-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer is said to be planning to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next summer.

On October 12, Stephen A. ESPN’s Smith says Kyrie Irving will not re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The ESPN personality reports that the All-NBA guard will join the Lakers for a LeBron James reunion.

Kerry never re-signed with Brooklyn, Smith He said. “Keri is planning to go to LA. He’s trying to go to LA. That’s what he’s been trying to do over the summer. That’s what he’s trying to do now. He knows he has to get through this season. Whether they win or lose, Kyrie has pretty much gone.” “.

Irving Becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season And Russell Westbrook’s contract comes from the Lakers’ books next summer. As it stands, Los Angeles has only James ($46.9 million), Anthony Davis ($40.6 million) and Max Christie ($1.7 million) on contract for the 2023-24 season. with salary cap Expected to be 134 million dollarsthe Lakers can generate upwards of $30 million to $35 million in cap space.

Purple and Gold tried to get Irving out of the net this past season. Chris Haynes reported from Yahoo Sports in July That Los Angeles and Brooklyn were actively involved in discussions about a business deal that would send Westbrook to the Nets and Irving to the Lakers.

However, after Nets announced in August that the Finals Player of the Year twice Kevin Durant will not be tradedIrving was removed from the commerce block.

The Lakers will chase Irving next summer

Heavis Sean Daveney spoke to an unidentified executive who said the Lakers would be looking at Irving and the next Jeramy Grant Offson. Los Angeles wants to add a third star alongside James and Davis.

“No matter what they do with the trade or how they rebuild this year, they will be watching next summer,” said Devine’s CEO. “This is where they invested so much, to be able to get another superstar type player next summer. They will look at Kyrie Irving of course, but it is probably not their best option. They will look at Jerami Grant, whom they have loved for so long. The same. With Miles Turner. I think Andrew Wiggins would be a big prize there because he can play two ways.”

James and Irving played in 183 regular season games together for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-15 to 2016-2017, and amassed a record number of 132-51. Both stars are gone too 39-13 In the playoffs, he led the Cavaliers to the 2016 Championship over the Golden State Warriors.

according to The July 29 report from Mark Stein of SubstackJames wanted the Lakers to trade Westbrook to the Nets for Irving.

The Lakers think Irving is coming

According to an August 23 report from Alex Schaefer of The Athletic, the Lakers “still feel like” Irving will be with them in 2023-24. Not only did Irving win a championship with James, but he was also a teammate with Davis on the 2014 Basketball World Cup team and has a relationship with Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy.

“She talks to people in Los Angeles, and they still really feel like Keri is coming to them next year,” Schaeffer He said on the NBA program. “I’m curious how things will go with recent events.”

The Lakers could contend for the title next season with Irving, James and Davis leading. Irving has The march averages 23.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists With Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Nets.

Kyrie’s suitability in Los Angeles probably doesn’t require much analysis. He and LeBron won a title together in 2016,” Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report wrote on July 22. “He can shoot, which is the biggest difference between him and Westbrook. He’s also about four years younger than Westbrook. Even with any concerns that might come with Kerry out of court, replacing Ross with him seems like a no-brainer.”