Often linked to the Lakers since he had shown his desire to leave the Nets, Kyrie Irving finally landed in Dallas in February, during the last trade deadline. Uncle Drew’s future remains uncertain as he becomes a free agent next summer, but the Los Angeles franchise definitely seems to have moved on.
Will we be entitled to a reunion between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving under the sun of Los Angeles? The question was topical in the 2022 offseason when Uncle Drew was considering a move from Brooklyn, and last February when he requested his transfer from the Nets. Now she is no longer.
According to l’insider Jovan Buhawhich covers the Lakers for The Athleticthe mythical franchise of the City of Angels does not intend to get back on the Kyrie file in the summer of 2023, when Irving becomes a free agent. We had kept this hypothesis in the back of our minds before the trade deadline, knowing the links between Drew and LeBron, Kyrie’s affection for Los Angeles, and the Lakers’ salary flexibility for the next offseason. But the recent moves made by general manager Rob Pelinka seem to have given real direction to the Californian team, which has posted a record of 9 wins – 5 losses since February 9th.
“According to my sources, the Lakers want to continue with the current workforce (next year, Ed.). It’s promising for now, they won a lot of games, especially without LeBron. […] I’ve been covering this franchise for three seasons, and the current team is the one with the most chemistry and the best atmosphere.
From what I’m told, they won’t be targeting Kyrie Irving this offseason. I think this scenario (an arrival of Kyrie at the Lakers, Ed.) is no longer relevant.
Among the moves at the deadline was the arrival of point guard and former Laker D’Angelo Russell from Minnesota. An encouraging comeback so far, with DLo notably having released two big performances since leaving the infirmary for an ankle injury. With his 3-point skill and creative flair, Russell is a much better fit for the LeBron James-Anthony Davis duo than the other Russell (Westbrook), and the Lakers seem pretty keen on extending him this summer (so than other players like Austin Reaves), instead of betting on Irving.
As a reminder, D’Angelo Russell will also be a free agent in a few months, like Kyrie. According to the latest rumors, the one who started his career with the Lakers would also like to continue the adventure in the City of Angels, and thus make up for lost time following two complicated first seasons in LA between 2015 and 2017.
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Source texte : The Athletic / HoopsHype
