In light of Kyrie Irving’s recent trade request, Lakers fans have been anticipating a blockbuster move all day long. As one of the only teams with a real interest in Kyrie (and the possibility of extending him long-term), the Lakers have long been viewed as the biggest contender to land the star point guard.
So when both Irving and Westbrook were listed as questionable for their games on Saturday night, it had many in Lakers Nation convinced a blockbuster deal was already in the works.
Sadly for Lakers fans, their hopes were squandered for the day after Westbrook was eventually listed as available for the game.
Lakers say Russell Westbrook (non-COVID illness) has been upgraded to available for tonight’s game at New Orleans.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 4, 2023
While it’s great news for the Lakers’ chances of winning the game, it likely means that a Westbrook/Irving trade is not getting done as soon as some fans were hoping for.
Russ said pic.twitter.com/LmHcqtYoXF
— ZILINSKI MID MASTER (@zilinski212) February 4, 2023
https://twitter.com/markgurman/status/1621999825322446848
Lakers fans hearing this information pic.twitter.com/STfRrJizk9
— CJ🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@HanchoJackHTX) February 4, 2023
Lakers fans pic.twitter.com/ieS6wT8U8X
— 🌨️ (@NotLikeRuss) February 4, 2023
https://twitter.com/baghdadsburner/status/1621999273448718336
Cancelled trade
— Nathan (@LaymanLegacy) February 4, 2023
— $lime⭐️ (@2turnt2fall) February 4, 2023
They backed out
— Carlitos (@LilChancla) February 4, 2023
Of course, it’s entirely possible (and even likely) that Westbrook’s pre-game status had nothing at all to do with the trade rumors. Whether it did or not, he’ll be playing today and it will be interesting to see what kind of energy he brings amid all the noise and chaos surrounding his future as a Laker.
Does Kyrie Irving Make The Lakers A Legitimate Contender?
With Irving, James, and Davis, there is no doubt the Lakers would be a better team than the one they are right now — but with a record of 25-28 on the season, that’s not saying too much.
Plus, with concerns about Davis’ durability, LeBron’s age, and Irving’s commitment to showing up to work, there are some doubts a Lakers team with Irving could work.
“But they’re probably going to look for the star, make another run at Kyrie Irving even though they don’t have the max to give him,” an NBA executive told Heavy’s Sean Deveney. “Though, no one is scared of them if you swap out Russell Westbrook and put Kyrie on the team.”
Kyrie is a great player in a complicated situation and his track record of abandoning teams doesn’t bode well for his trade value across the association.
The Lakers are one of the only teams desperate enough to make a move, but maybe they should stop and ask themselves if they should make this one…
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