Nets owner Joe Tsai refused to send Kyrie Irving to the Lakers

"The Nets also succeeded, as one source close to the process put it, in meeting one of the presumed objectives held by team owner Joe Tsai by sending Irving somewhere other than the Lakers — his preferred destination," Stein wrote on Substack. 

After the headaches Irving caused the Nets during his tenure, Tsai's refusal to fulfill Irving's wish is understandable. Since this past offseason, the point guard has shown an interest in the Lakers, and the team pursued him, but nothing materialized. 

The Lakers were aggressive with their recent offer for Irving. They included their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks in their proposal, the only first-rounder picks they can trade, per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. 

SNY's Ian Begley says Westbrook was included in an offered package earlier this week. Most likely, the 2017 MVP was a part of the Lakers' final offer.

Of course, Brooklyn accepted Dallas' offer of guard Spencer Dinwiddie, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks (2027 and 2029) for Irving. 

The Nets (32-20) plan to stay competitive and "aggressive" on the trade market, which is why Tsai sought capable veterans in return for Irving. Additionally, the team remains committed to building around superstar Kevin Durant, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Even if building around Durant is Brooklyn's intention, there's no telling if he'll request another trade from the organization. His situation will be fascinating to watch in the coming months. Teams are already lining up for the 34-year-old should he become available.

With Irving off the market, it'll be difficult for the Lakers (25-29) to swing a deal for a true impact player as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches. 

James has been vocal about the Lakers needing to make moves, and his latest tweet indicates that he's not happy they didn't acquire his former teammate.