NBA Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers nearly explored trading for Kyrie Irving this past season.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets saw their respective seasons end in almost equal disasters, but there was at least a scenario before the NBA Trade Deadline that the two teams could’ve tried to solve each other’s problems.
According to a recent report, the Lakers nearly made a pursuit for Kyrie Irving at the deadline. It’s not clear to what extent it got, but not far enough where it actually made any real-time headlines. But there’s no question it would’ve been interesting to see it all go down.
"[via SNY.TV]“Several outlets, including SNY, reported that the Nets had been open to talking to teams about potential Irving trades during that time,” Begley wrote. “Obviously, nothing came to fruition. But some members of the Lakers organization discussed the possibility of trading for Irving during that stretch of the season, sources say."
At the very least, even if this report doesn’t mean much, it is interesting. Assuming this is true, it could end up being one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history if the Lakers and Nets don’t end up winning a championship over the next couple of seasons.
Even more so if LeBron ends his career without tacking on another title.
I’m not really sure how this deal would’ve worked, especially considering that it is highly unlikely that the Nets would’ve been open to acquiring Russell Westbrook, but Kyrie and LeBron reuniting in LA would’ve shaken the league.
And the season would’ve probably ended better than it did for LA this season. I’m not sure the same could be said about Brooklyn even though they had a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Boston Celtics.
This offseason is setting up to be interesting for both the Lakers and Nets. It’s unlikely that the Lakers or Nets will try to revisit a potential Kyrie trade, but it would’ve added even more intrigue to an already entertaining season. Oh well.