NBA Rumors: Kyrie Irving is still widely expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next offseason when he hits free agency.
At one point this offseason, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Kyrie Irving was going to end up on the Los Angeles Lakers one way or another. However, over the past few weeks, much of that noise and momentum have stalled.
The result and reality at the moment are the Brooklyn Nets don’t appear intent on trading Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving at the moment. Could that change at any point, absolutely? But at least for now, it seems as if the Nets are going to try to enter the season with Durant and Kyrie on the roster.
That said, perhaps that doesn’t change much for Kyrie’s situation. He has one year remaining on his contract and then could elect to sign wherever he wants next offseason in free agency. And, according to a recent report, perhaps Kyrie will still get to the place he wants to be – Los Angeles.
The Lakers tried to trade for Kyrie by all accounts but ultimately fell short with Brooklyn’s asking price being too much. Plus, the Russell Westbrook situation didn’t help solve anything. His presence on the roster certainly complicated things for both the Lakers and Nets in trade discussions.
Nevertheless, that won’t be an issue next season when Kyrie could sign for whatever figure he wants and Russ will no longer be on Los Angeles’ books.
A lot can happen between now and when free agency opens next summer. However, if the noise was genuine this offseason, you’d have to believe that there’s a very real chance that Kyrie reunites with LeBron James in Los Angeles next offseason.
And the recent reporting would support that idea. Question is, will that actually happen? Or will this end up being another move that the Lakers regret not making?