The Los Angeles Lakers have been declared the favorites to land Kyrie Irving this offseason. Over the last few weeks, almost every major source has hinted that if Kyrie gets traded, he will don the iconic Purple and Gold jersey. But what if that trade falls out?
Things like this have happened in the past as well when a player who has been linked with a team for weeks ends up elsewhere. If this happens, the Lakers seem to be ready.
They are also actively in talks with the Indiana Pacers about a deal around Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. Of course, the Lakers would still need to add Russell Westbrook to the trade package, but they can save a future first-round pick.
https://twitter.com/Jacquethepoet/status/1545923181168525312
Laker fans: Which package would you prefer?
1. Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris (Lakers give up 2 first rounders)
2. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner (Lakers give up 1 first rounder)
Of course, this question by the fan stirred up a debate between Lakers fans. Here is what the fans think about these two potential trade options provided to them.
Nets only want one first rounder
— “HIM”😈 (@Will_Dimes) July 10, 2022
Option 2 makes you a good playoff team. Option 1 makes you a championship contender
— Zach Herzberg (@zherzberg3) July 10, 2022
Give up 2 2nd picks tht for hield. I would try to keep nunn he’s cheaper and he can play back pg.
— Queen23 (@Traglin21) July 10, 2022
1 and it’s not close! I want Kyrie on the Lakers!!
— Bryan Boulanger (@brycar75) July 10, 2022
If we are giving up two first rounders might as well ask for Seth Curry as well
— Antonio (@Antoniorod036) July 10, 2022
Just get Kyrie here. I don’t care how
— Colt Connolly Zieler (@ColtConnolly6) July 10, 2022
Number 1 for sure
— Ralph Lakers (@rapha_aguiarb) July 10, 2022
Numero uno please!
— The Holy Church of Lakerism (@Jgoody0824) July 10, 2022
Lmao, 28 other teams could beat that offer. Why is it the Lakers always seem to get 5:1 equity in these mock trades lol
— DC (@the6thsouth) July 10, 2022
1. We gonna end up getting rid of turner anyways and hield he’s good but Harris will be as good as a 3pt shooter plus kyrie a superstar threat
— Depressed LeBron Fan (@navrajsinghdhal) July 10, 2022
As expected, most fans want the Lakers to go with option one. This option will get them not only a superstar talent in Kyrie Irving but also a reliable 3-point shooter in Joe Harris.
One of the biggest issues for the Lakers in the 2021-22 NBA season was a lackluster 3-point shooting throughout the season. Other NBA teams took advantage of it and made the Lakers pay dearly.
So even if the Lakers have to give up an extra pick in order to get Kyrie Irving, they should go ahead with it. Moreover, as per a recent report, the Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook deal is almost done. Maybe the Nets are only waiting for Kevin Durant to get traded first.