Kyrie Irving Rumors: LeBron James Is Pushing Lakers To Trade For His Former Teammate
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Los Angeles Lakers All-Star power forward LeBron James apparently is yearning for a reunion with Brooklyn Nets All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. The dynamic duo went to three straight NBA Finals together from 2014-17 while on the Cleveland Cavaliers, after which Irving demanded to be traded from the team, threatening to undergo a surgery during the season if his request not met.
Now, Irving is demanding to be traded from the Nets, and threatening to leave in free agency after the season if his request is not met. He also reportedly wants to be signed to a four-year maximum salary by whichever team hypothetically trades for him at the deadline. I'm sure everything will go absolutely fine, if history is any indication.
Anyway, James reportedly is hoping the Lakers make a move for Irving, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski writes.
"Irving has not given the Nets a list of preferred destinations, but there's strong mutual interest between him and the Lakers that goes back to the summer," Woj writes. "LeBron James is an immense proponent of making a deal for his former Cavaliers teammate, and the Lakers are operating as a motivated suitor for Irving, sources said."
Given the Lakers' contract situation, a deal would most likely be centered around the $47.1 million expiring salary of reserve LA point guard Russell Westbrook, and a future first-round draft pick or two, from the Lakers side of the equation.
Will the Lakers pull the trigger on a trade for Irving, warts and all? Should they?
