If Nets deal Irving, Lakers could be next destination

All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving wants out of Brooklyn, and like last summer the Los Angeles Lakers are among the favorites if the Nets decide to honor his trade request.

According to people with knowledge of the situation, the Lakers are interested in Irving, LeBron James’ former teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In addition to the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns are possible trade partners with the Nets, according to multiple people. Irving, who makes $36.5 million, has been unable to reach a contract extension with the Nets and is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Rumors circulated last offseason that Irving wanted to play with the Lakers but he opted in to his contract with Brooklyn. The Lakers had their concerns, including committing significant salary and multiple years on a contract to a player who hasn’t been reliable.

Irving’s time with the Nets has been fraught with controversy and roster turnover. Irving missed most of last season when he wasn’t allowed to play in Brooklyn for declining to get the COVID-19 vaccine. He was suspended this season, missing eight games after posting a link to a movie with anti-semitic messages.

On Saturday afternoon, he was added to the Nets’ injury report for their home game Saturday night against Washington. He had not been on the injury report Saturday morning.

On the court, Irving’s been one of the best players at his position, averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He was selected as a starter for the East in the upcoming All-Star Game.

A trade with the Nets would certainly include Russell Westbrook. The Lakers would need to take back an additional player in a trade for Irving to make the salaries match, according to NBA trade rules.

The Lakers’ primary assets are first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. Second-year guard Austin Reaves also has fans throughout NBA front offices, as does rookie guard Max Christie.

The Lakers had Westbrook trade discussions with teams in the approach to Thursday’s deadline, including with the Utah Jazz. There’s skepticism that the Detroit Pistons will trade Bojan Bogdanovic, though Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. could be a floor-spacer the Lakers might pursue.

The team could also have interest in Atlanta guard Bogdan Bogdanovic as they try to add shooting.