The situation with the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook had reached a point where most people think there is no turning back. Westbrook being most responsible for LA’s rotten 2021-22 season has not gone over well with the guard as he continues to balk at the possibility of accepting a smaller role in the team.
The Lakers are hoping Russ returns as a defensive-minded player who’s willing to step into the corner for the open three, but Russ may not be thrilled with the same. The Lakers need to continue exploring situations to trade Russ, with the option of trading him to the Nets’ Kyrie Irving looking too appealing. It comes at a cost of 2 first-round picks, which the Lakers were unwilling to give up for Kyrie on an expiring contract.
Athletic’s Jovan Buha is currently one of the most highly regarded Lakers insiders in sports media. Buha appeared on the ‘Late night show on the lake‘ Twitter space and updated the fanbase on the situation with Kyrie Irving, revealing that the Lakers are ultimately trending to give up the 2027 and 2029 first-round pick in a trade to acquire Irving.
The Lakers would be in a much better position for the 2022-23 season if they had Kyrie instead of Westbrook, as Irving on the field is still one of the best guards in the league. His 60-point performance last season proved the Lakers would be extremely dangerous with Kyrie, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
LA must also weigh the possible cost of investing 2 future picks for Irving that will lead years after LeBron James’ retirement and the end of the team as it is currently structured. If the Lakers can’t transition from the LBJ era to continued success, not having those future picks can be crippling for the franchise.
With LeBron himself approaching free agency, the Lakers have the incentive to make a winning effort now to keep the 2020 Finals MVP on the team for at least another season or 2. Irving would go a long way in giving LBJ a reason to stay.