This Lakers-Mavs trade features Kyrie Irving

An NBA writer proposes that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Kyrie Irving from the Dallas Mavericks this summer. In a May 24 article titled “Trade Packages to Land Lakers a Star, Keep LeBron James Out of Retirement”, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report suggested that the Lakers send D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and a 2029 first round pick to the Mavericks for Irving.

“For the Lakers, this deal accomplishes multiple goals,” Bailey wrote. “According to Buha, LeBron pushed for Irving to be acquired at least twice. And of course, this deal won’t cost them Davis either. The loss of Hachimura and a scoop hurts, but there’s no question that an involved Kyrie (assuming he can stay engaged) raises the ceiling on this group.

Irving and Russell become unrestricted free agents this off-season, while Hachimura becomes a restricted free agent. James, who could retire from the NBA, wants the Lakers to acquire Irving if he continues to play.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates

According to the latest Sportsbetting.ag odds, the Lakers have the best odds (+200) to acquire Irving, who averaged 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 60 games with the Brooklyn Nets this season and Mavericks. Los Angeles attempted to acquire Irving from Brooklyn after the All-Star guard asked for a trade, but Dallas came in first, which did not sit well with James.

“I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed that I wasn’t able to bring in such a talent, but someone I had great chemistry with,” James shared. ESPN’s Michael Wilbon in February. “And know that I have great chemistry on the floor, that can help you win championships, in my mind, in my eyes.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates

Irving and James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 championship over the Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers were 132-51 when LeBron and Kyrie were in the lineup together from 2014-15 to 2016-17.

James and Irving were deadly together on the Cavaliers. LeBron scored 25.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game alongside Uncle Drew, while Irving averaged 22.1 points and 5.3 assists alongside The King.

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