When Kyrie Irving made his trade request last week, fans and experts around the world assumed it was only a matter of time before he’d join the Purple and Gold.
Over the summer, he specifically picked the Lakers as his preferred landing spot and it’s no secret that he has been aiming for a reunion with his former teammate LeBron James.
But as The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported earlier today, Kyrie is actually headed to the Mavericks instead as part of a deal that will unite Luka Doncic with one of the top point guards in the game.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets are trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round and multiple second-round picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets are trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round and multiple second-round picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2023
It’s a monster deal for the Mavericks, obviously, but it also has major implications for the Lakers, who will now miss out on Kyrie for the second time in less than a year.
And while Irving can still become an unrestricted free agent this summer, he is expected to reach an extension with the Mavericks that will likely secure his long-term future with the franchise.
Expectedly, Lakers fans expressed outrage and heartbreak online as the realization set in that no big stars are coming to save their season.
— 𝓨𝓥𝓛𝓢 (@lakeshow_18) February 5, 2023
Lakers offered Russ and a 1st. That wasn’t a serious offer. They clearly didn’t want to trade for Kyrie.
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) February 5, 2023
no
— Did the Lakers Win? (@DidTheLakersWlN) February 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1622326978102837249
I don’t have anything left
I’M EMBARRASSED TO BE A LAKERS FAN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE
WE NO LONGER CARE ABOUT WINNING
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) February 5, 2023
Lakers and LeBron fans watching Kyrie and Luka team up in Dallas pic.twitter.com/jFfZ2xJ9Ov
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) February 5, 2023
JEANIE LIED ABOUT EVERYTHING
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) February 5, 2023
Lakers didn’t wanna give up Talen Horton Tucker to get a star
Lakers didn’t wanna give up Max Christie to get a star
How do you fumble BACK TO BACK YEARS
FREE LEBRON pic.twitter.com/PcCRwOKrsi
— 𝔹𝕠𝕝𝕨𝕣𝕝𝕕 (@BolWrld) February 5, 2023
The LeBron James & Anthony Davis era with the Lakers is officially over
Hopefully they can be packaged together over the summer 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/x1x7lxOgj5
— 🌟Fake (@LALeBron23) February 5, 2023
this fumble is gonna set the Lakers back for a long time
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) February 5, 2023
The Lakers missed out on their big-name star again, but it’s not all bad for the Purple and Gold. With multiple days still left before the deadline, the team can still make a run for another trade that can build up their depth and plug some of their biggest holes.
What’s Next For The Lakers After Striking Out On Kyrie Irving?
If Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss still want to make win-now moves, they can use Westbrook and their remaining first-round picks as leverage. Already, the Lakers have been tied in trades for Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, and Bojan Bogdanovic.
Unfortunately, any trade they make now is unlikely to move the needle in a significant way.
It won’t be until the summer, when the Lakers have more cap flexibility, that they will look to overhaul the roster, but fans don’t have much hope in what the front office can put together.
In truth, Kyrie Irving was their biggest path to success this season, and beyond, and it’s just been completely shut down. Needles to say, it is not a good day to be a Lakers fan.
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