After spending some time focusing on hoops and being out of the spotlight, Kyrie Irving is one again at the center of attention. The star point guard has asked for a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, catching many by surprise. But if there is one team in the NBA that is happy about this news, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers.
The NBA’s worst-kept secret for a while was that the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to replace Russell Westbrook and get Kyrie Irving in the process. With Kevin Durant seemingly ready to leave in the offseason as well, the trade seemed like an eventuality. Ultimately, Irving and Durant both decided to stay put but now things have changed once more.
While Kyrie Irving had reintegrated himself with the Nets, even Russell Westbrook embraced his role off the bench for the Lakers this season. He wasn’t thriving or anything, but he certainly improved his play from where it was last season. So some might have been surprised with the ease of with which fans and the organization seem to be okay moving on from him, but the man himself keeps it real.
Russell Westbrook Says He’s Known How The Business Of The NBA Works Since He Was 18 Years Old
For a majority of his career, Russell Westbrook being one of the main stars of the Oklahoma City Thunder meant he never had to worry about a trade. But after the Thunder decided to trade him away, he bounced around to the Rockets and the Wizards before ending up on the Lakers. And speaking on how he feels about all the rumors, Russ made it clear that he’s always known how these things work.
"I've known this was a business since I was 18 or 19 years old." Russell Westbrook says he feels no added pressure with his name in trade rumors and he understands that this is a business. pic.twitter.com/3Agqb0Hn8d
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 5, 2023
“No, I do not [feel any added pressure due to the rumors]. That’s not up to me. Like I said, man, I’ve known this is a business since I was 18, 19 years old, as soon as I got in it. My dad taught me that at a young age. Just when you get into this league, it’s a business, and people make businesses dec-, whatever decision that they make. And I make sure I’m ready, professionally, like I always have been and always will be.”
For Lakers fans and the organization, it’s evident that Kyrie Irving would be a massive upgrade on Russell Westbrook. However, with organizations like the Mavericks, Clippers, and Suns all interested as well, the Lakers will have to worry about whether a package involving Westbrook and picks can even get the deal done.
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