The Athletic reporter Shams Charania said, the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer interested in Kyrie Irving as part of their long-term plans.
“Throughout the summer, Irving was the prized superstar whose name was front and center of Lakers fans.” Charania reported.
“Sources say the Lakers made multiple inquiries and submitted concepts to the Nets on potential Irving deals in July and August, but upon opting into his $36.9 million player option in late June, Irving had committed to Brooklyn for the upcoming season.” Charania added.
The Lakers expressed great interest in Irving during the offseason. The player’s situation with his team, the Brooklyn Nets, looked uncertain, and the Lakers wanted to bolster themselves to take advantage of LeBron James’ later years.
However, the union ended up not happening. Although Irving reportedly tried to leave the Nets, the player ended up staying and will play the 2022/23 season for Brooklyn.
“So as July wore on and led into August, Brooklyn shut the door on any Irving trade, closing the window on a Irving-James reunion.” Charania said.
“As for the prospect of adding Irving via free agency next summer, sources say he’s currently not a part of the Lakers’ long-term plans.” he added.
The Lakers, on the other hand, failed to improve. The team begins the season in a manner similar to the previous one. Therefore the most important addition was point guard Patrick Beverley.
In any way, it is something that would happen in a year from now. For the moment, the Lakers should make do with what they have. That is, a team led by superstars such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
The Lakers season kicks off on the October 18, 2022 when they face the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
