Lakers' Scotty Pippen Jr., Mac McClung, Max Christie Praised for Efforts vs. Warriors
Jul 4, 2022
CHICAGO,IL - MAY 17: NBA Prospect, Scotty Pippen Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2022 NBA Draft Combine Circuit on May 17, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers won their second game in the California Classic in impressive fashion, cruising to a 100-77 win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday.
The Lakers used a balanced attack to earn the victory, as every player who entered the game scored at least one basket. But point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. stood out for his efficient scoring and playmaking.
Pippen, the son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, scored 15 points and dished out eight assists. He shot 4-of-7 from the field with one three-pointer, and he made six of his seven free throws. Pippen also played a clean game with no turnovers.
Fans on social media liked what they saw from the 21-year-old on Sunday and praised him for his performance.
Nice adjustment in game 2 for Scotty Pippen Jr., showcasing much better PG play. Word out of early Lakers summer practices were that he was impressing with how under control he looked.
It was a strong follow-up for Pippen after he had 14 points on 3-of-9 shooting with five turnovers in Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. It might've helped that his dad was in attendance to support him.
Sunday marked the second straight summer league game that the Lakers scored 100 points. Los Angeles was led by Cole Swider, who scored 16 points with five three-pointers. Jay Huff added 10 points, and Mac McClung, who will be entering his second year in the NBA, finished with nine points off the bench. 2022 second-round pick Max Christie scored eight points, but he played some strong defense.
Those players all flashed some potential that earned adulation online.
Mac McClung is gonna be a great role guy in the NBA
Two games is a small sample size, but Los Angeles looks to have a respectable crop of young players who can develop into solid rotational pieces. Pippen, Swider and Christie are all likely destined for the G League, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see them on the Lakers bench throughout the season.
The Lakers have playoff aspirations for next year, so it will be important for their young core to be able to produce when called upon.
Lakers Rumors: LeBron James 'Rooting Hard' for Kyrie Irving Trade with Nets
Jul 3, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. The Lakers defeated the Nets 128-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
LeBron James is reportedly "rooting hard" for the Los Angeles Lakers to add Kyrie Irving this offseason, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
"James, Iām told, wants to see Irving in Lakerland more than anyone," Stein added.
The Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly having discussions about a trade centered around Irving and Russell Westbrook, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. There is "optimism" a deal can get done this offseason, but the two sides will continue to work out the rest of the compensation going each way.
The Lakers were already considered a potential target for Irving in a sign-and-trade before the point guard opted into the final year of his contract with the Nets, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, Irving has also told people he plans to join the Lakers as soon as he can, whether this year or next.
It's notable that LeBron also wants the deal to happen, potentially creating a smooth transition if the trade does end up materializing.
James and Irving spent three years together with the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning one title while reaching the NBA Finals in three straight seasons. There was an ugly divorce when Irving asked for a trade, but the point guard has said on the I Am Athlete podcast that he was immature at that point in his career.
The lack of team success over the past year could also allow both players to get over their past disputes.
Los Angeles won a title in 2020, but the team lost in the first round the next season and missed the postseason altogether in 2021-22 while finishing 33-49. Brooklyn didn't do much better with Irving last season, earning the No. 7 seed in the East before getting swept in the first round.
If Irving and James can pair back together alongside Anthony Davis, the Lakers could once again be a threat to win a championship.
Lakers Fans Must Remain Patient over Kyrie Irving Trade Amid Remaining Obstacles
Jul 3, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 23: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have a defined path back to contention this coming season. It involves reuniting LeBron James with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kyrie Irving and building around a new Big Three of James, Irving and Anthony Davis.
This trio should be much more appealing to fans than last year's core of James, Davis and Russell Westbrook. Unlike Westbrook, Irving is a high-percentage shooter and a true perimeter threat.
Last season, he shot 46.9 percent from the floor and 41.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Irving's skill set complements James and Davis far better than what Westbrook brought to the table this past season. The good news is that Irving is on board with the idea.
"Irving is telling everybody he plans on going to L.A., meaning the Lakers, as soon as he possibly can," ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Thursday on NBA Today.
The better news is that the wheels have already been set in motion for a trade that sends Westbrook to the Brooklyn Nets and brings Irving to L.A.
"The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are actively engaged in
discussions on a trade package that would send star point guard Russell
Westbrook to Brooklyn in exchange for star point guard Kyrie Irving,
league sources told Yahoo Sports," Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports wrote.
Pursuing Irving is the best course of action for the Lakers this offseason, and L.A. might just pull it off. However, fans need to realize that a trade isn't going to come together quickly. While the Nets are open to making a deal, several obstacles remain.
For starters, Brooklyn is also dealing with Kevin Durant's trade request, and that's going to take time to resolve. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (h/t ESPN's Tom Bontemps), the Nets "plan to make a deal that allows
them the greatest return of assets."
Presumably, a large portion of the league is interested in Durant, and Brooklyn is incentivized to let a bidding war dictate his market. The Nets are also likely to wait on Durant's future to unfold before moving on an Irving trade.
"I
think Kyrie is going to have wait this out because we're not going to
really know what the Nets are going to want to trade him for until we
see what Kevin Durant gets traded for," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on Get Up (h/t ClutchPoints).
Only after Brooklyn knows where its roster and cap situation stand post-Durant can it accurately judges what it wants in an Irving deal. ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst appeared on First Take on Friday to discuss Brooklyn's approach to Irving (beginning at the 4:30 mark).
"Nets have no interest in accommodating Kyrie Irving. They have no interest in doing it," Windhorst said.
According to Windhorst, the Nets don't view Irving as a valuable trade asset and may only consider moving him as "salary ballast."
"They want shooting guard Joe Harrisāwho is recovering from left ankle surgeryāand his remaining $38.6 million owed over the next two years included in the deal, sources said," Haynes wrote. The Lakers have been disinclined to the inclusion of Harris, and are
instead seeking the insertion of sharpshooter Seth Curry as part of the
arrangement, sources said."
If the Nets are going to swap Irving for Westbrook, they also want to unload another unwieldy contract. That's a problem for the Lakers, who are already in luxury-tax territory. Harris is due $18.6 million this season, while Irving is due $36.9 million.
Acquiring those two for Westbrook's $47 million contract would leave Los Angeles with roughly $8.5 million more in salary than it is currently projected to spend.
This is a point on which Brooklyn may be unwilling to budge. The Lakers are not the only team interested in acquiring Irving.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Irving has "several suitors" on the trade marketāand that could include the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers:
The problem for L.A. is that Dallas and Philadelphia both have lower projected payrolls than the Lakers. The other issue is Los Angeles' inflexibility on draft compensationāthe Lakers have 2027 and 2029 first-round picks with which to work.
According to Haynes, draft compensation is an "ongoing talking point" between the Lakers and Nets.
Depending on which teams are eying Irving, Brooklyn may be able to get a better trade package than what Los Angeles can offerāand find a team more willing and able to take on Harris' contract.
As with Durant's situation, Brooklyn is likely to let things play out before flipping the switch on an Irving tradeāeven if a Durant deal comes together surprisingly quickly.
However, there is "palpable optimism" that a deal can be struck between the Nets and Lakers, according to Haynes. Irving-to-Los Angeles could very well happen, and it would make the Lakers a legitimate force in the Western Conference.
However, it isn't going to happen overnight, and Lakers fans will have to remain patient.
Lakers Rumors: LA Wants Seth Curry over Joe Harris in Possible Kyrie Irving Trade
Jul 2, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Seth Curry of Brooklyn Nets warms up before NBA playoffs between Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn of New York City, United States on April 25, 2022. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers might be able to swap Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets, but a key sticking point in talks at this point revolves around which secondary piece would be included.
Per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Lakers want Brooklyn to include Seth Curry in the package, while the Nets want to send Joe Harris to Los Angeles.
The two sides are also discussing draft compensation in the deal.
There is a significant difference in the contracts for the two Nets sharpshooters being discussed.
Curry is owed $8.5 million in 2022-23, the final season of his four-year deal that was originally signed in July 2019. Harris has $38.6 million and two seasons left on his four-year, $75 million contract.
The Lakers are already into the luxury tax with $163.5 million in salary commitments for next season. They have an estimated $24.2 million luxury tax payment in addition to their payroll.
There's roughly $10.5 million in salary difference between Westbrook ($47.1 million) and Irving ($36.5 million) next season. The combined salaries for Irving and Harris would increase Los Angeles' payroll by around $8 million from its current mark.
Prior to the trade deadline in February, ESPN's Dave McMenamin and Ramona Shelburne said on The Hoop Collective Podcast (h/t CBS Sports' Sam Quinn) that the Lakers were largely quiet because they didn't want to take on more money.
"They would do something if it was low-hanging fruit, but they weren't really willing to feel any pain, whether that was luxury tax money, whether that was more encumberment in the future, whether that was draft compensation," Shelburne said.
There are other reasons for the Lakers to prioritize Curry over Harris in talks. Harris only appeared in 14 games last season due to an ankle injury that required surgery in March.
The initial thought when Harris suffered the injury early in the season was that he would only miss four to eight weeks. Given how it continued to be a problem and needed to be surgically repaired, it's unclear how effective the 30-year-old will be when he returns.
Curry has had his own injury issues, with a combined 33 games missed in the past two seasons. But there's a higher degree of certainty with him at this point.
Both players are lights-out shooters with identical 43.9 percent success rates from three-point range in their careers.
The Lakers certainly need to make significant adjustments to their roster coming off a disappointing 2021-22 season. They finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record.
Kevin Garnett Rips Lakers' Anthony Davis: He Can Be 'So Much Better Than What He Is'
Jul 1, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 121-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA legend Kevin Garnett didn't take too kindly to Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis' recent acknowledgement that he hadn't shot a basketball in two months.
Speaking on Showtime Basketball's KG Certified, Garnett laid out his feelings on the matter (57:59 mark).
"That s--t killed me, bro. He said he ain't touched the rock?!" Garnett said (h/t ClutchPoints). "... He can be so much better than what he is. I don't know what's around him. I would love to be able to work with somebody like that."
KG gave AD serious compliments, though, saying he should shoot for the 2022-23 NBA MVP Award and that there's "no way he's probably not top-10, top-five in this game." Garnett encouraged Davis to "come into camp better in shape than anybody and everybody" and "take the torch" from LeBron James.
In a Nuke Squad video that dropped June 10, Davis said he hadn't shot a basketball since April 5:
Davis played just 40 games last year because of injuries. He averaged 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
He is one of the game's top players, an eight-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA first-team member who helped lead Los Angeles to the 2019-20 title.
Last year didn't go well for AD and the Lakers, who finished outside the playoffs with a 33-49 mark, but a rejuvenated Davis could certainly bring far greater success to L.A.
Lakers Rumors: LA Thinks Nets Must Trade Kevin Durant Before Kyrie Irving Discussions
Jul 1, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets takes the ball during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers aren't going to focus on a possible move for Nets point guard Kyrie Irving this summer until Brooklyn moves Kevin Durant.
"Checking in with Lakers sources, they believe that the domino that needs to fall first in Brooklyn is finding a trade partner for Kevin Durant. Until that occurs, the Kyrie Irving conversations will kind of be put on the back burner," ESPN's Dave McMenamin said on the network's free agency special.
The news comes after ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported Thursday that Irving wanted to re-join LeBron James with the Lakers "as soon as he possibly can."
The Athletic's Alex Schiffer, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon also reported that Irving was focused on joining the Lakers leading up to the decision on whether or not to opt-in to his contract with the Nets for the 2022-23 season.
In addition, Jovan Buha and Amick reported that the possibility of Irving teaming up with James again is a real possibility.
However, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Friday on First Take that the Nets have "no interest in accommodating" Irving's desire to be traded. Brooklyn believes they won't get much in return for the veteran point guard.
Windhorst added that Irving would also have to wait for Durant's situation to play out before potentially being moved.
Durant requested a trade from the Nets on Thursday and Brooklyn should fetch a handsome return for the two-time NBA champion following the Utah Jazz's decision to trade Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for four first-round picks and a number of players.
While the Nets believe they won't receive much in return for Irving, the Lakers would almost certainly have to part ways with Russell Westbrook and some draft compensation.
Westbrook had a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, but he could benefit from a change of scenery and is certainly no slouch as he's a nine-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion.
However, Westbrook's $47 million salary for the upcoming season is undesirable and not many teams have been willing to engage in trade discussions for the point guard because of it.
If Irving were to team up with James again, the Lakers could make a deep playoff run in 2022-23 as the two found much success as teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-17.
The duo helped lead the Cavs to an NBA title in 2016, and there's no reason to believe they can't power the Purple and Gold to another title alongside Anthony Davis next season.
Lakers See 'Surge of Betting Interest' at Multiple Sportsbooks amid NBA Free Agency
Jul 1, 2022
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: New head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Darvin Ham speaks to the media with Rob Pelinka Vice President Operations of the Los Angeles Lakers during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on June 06, 2022 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have received a lot of betting interest recently even though they are coming off a 33-49 season and haven't made any major moves as of yet in free agency.
"In a 24-hour span, beginning Thursday afternoon, multiple sportsbooks reported receiving a surge of betting interest on the Lakers to win next season's championship. The Lakers' title odds moved from 22-1 to 10-1 at Caesars Sportsbook, where Los Angeles attracted 3.5 times more betting handle than any other team since Wednesday afternoon. Included in the rush of Lakers action was a $10,000 bet at 22-1 odds from a bettor in New York, according to Caesars."
L.A. will welcome back one of the game's all-time and current greats in LeBron James, who missed 26 games last year. Eight-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who sat 42 games, should also be back in the mix.
The Lakers did make a change at head coach, parting ways with Frank Vogel and adding Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham to lead their sidelines.
They also filled out their rotation with intriguing talents on one-year deals with Lonnie Walker IV, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Troy Brown Jr.
The wild card in a potential Lakers surge this year is the reported mutual interest between the team and Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, who exercised his $36.9 million player option to remain in town.
However, with Kevin Durant requesting a trade, the Nets could be blowing up their team. With that, it makes sense to deal Irving and reboot the franchise.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers were the only known team looking to land Irving in a sign-and-trade. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Irving is telling people he plans on going to Los Angeles.
And ESPN's Brian Windhorst backed the Smith report too.
"Kyrie Irving is out of town as fast as he possibly can. He's focused, as [Stephen A. Smith] said, on forcing himself to the L.A. Lakers," Windhorst said on Thursday's episode of SportsCenter.
If Irving can find himself in L.A., then the bettors who jumped aboard the Lakers' bandwagon of late may have gotten some good value wagers in place. Irving averaged 27.4 points and 5.8 assists last year.
The seven-time All-Star also has built-in chemistry with James, as the two helped lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to three Eastern Conference titles and one NBA championship.
The Western Conference is going to be a gauntlet to run through even if the Lakers land Irving, but the sincere betting interest in the team is something to watch as the offseason progresses.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
Why Kevin Durant Trade Rumors Give Lakers a New Path to Acquiring Kyrie Irving
Jul 1, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 23: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Heading into Thursday's opening of NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared poised to run it back next season with Russell Westbrook on the roster.
"Though a Westbrook trade is still possible, the Lakers are currently
planning on beginning next season with him on the roster, multiple
league sources told The Athletic," Jovan Buha wrote on Tuesday.
The Lakers were interested in acquiring Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving before Irving signed his player option for the 2022-23 season. In fact, Los Angeles was reportedly the only team interested in orchestrating a sign-and-trade for the 30-year-old.
"Outside of the Los Angeles Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning to pursue sign-and-trade deals for Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, sources told ESPN," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski wrote on Monday.
The NBA landscape has changed dramatically over the last 24 hours, though.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Kevin Durant has requested a trade, and Nets general manager Sean Marks is "working" with him to facilitate one.
Durant's request potentially changes things for the Lakers in a big way, but not because Durant is a realistic trade target.
According to Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, a source has put the Lakers' chances of landing Durant at "zero."
Durant's trade request potentially opens the door for the Lakers to revisit a move on Irving and a Westbrook trade.
According to Buha and Amick, the interest in bringing Irving to L.A. was mutual, and the Lakers are likely to make another run:
"A source close to the situation indicated as much in the aftermath of
the Durant trade request, and it makes all sorts of sense that the
Durant decision ups the Lakersā odds here. As The Athletic reported on
Monday, Irving was hyper-focused on landing with the Lakers in the days
and weeks leading up to his opt-in decision."
L.A. is interested in reuniting Irving and LeBron James, and they may now have a second shot at it. There are a couple of reasons to believe that Durant's inevitable departure is the best thing Los Angeles could have hoped for this offseason.
For starters, Irving himself may want out, given Durant's request. Irving ultimately decided to return to Brooklyn to "fulfill his four-year commitment" to the Nets and to Durant, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. If Durant is no longer in Brooklyn, Irving has no commitment to uphold.
Irving's decision to opt-in likely had more to do with Durant than any loyalty to the Nets. According to Wojnarowski, Irving has had no contact with the organization since making the decision.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had no contact with the franchise after Irving opted into his deal on Monday, and a sense of inevitability existed that Durant would eventually ask for a trade, sources tell ESPN. It happened today.
The other factor to consider is that with Durant on the way out, Brooklyn is likely staring down another rebuild. A core of Irving, Ben Simmons and Seth Curry isn't as attractive as one that includes Durant.
If Brooklyn believes it cannot contend without Durant, it may not only be willing to move Irving, but eager.
For the Lakers, this would be a terrific development. A trio of James, Irving and Anthony Davis is, on paper, better than a James, Davis, Westbrook lineup. Westbrook never meshed with the roster last season, while James has already won titles with both Davis and Irving.
Irving's ability to create shots and hit them at a high rate complements what James and Davis do best with the inside game, too. L.A. needs a third quality scorer, and Westbrook wasn't that this past season.
The Lakers would still face some stiff competition in the Western Conference, but they would be a more legitimate title contender with Irving on the roster instead of Westbrook.
The big question is how the Lakers can now make an Irving deal work.
In an ideal world, Irving would negotiate a buyout, as John Wall did with the Houston Rockets after opting in for the season. This would make Irving a free agent and able to sign with Los Angeles on the mid-level exception.
Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer told NBA insider Marc Stein that Irving had considered playing on the mid-level exception in L.A. this season before opting in. Irving will have little leverage with the Nets, though, if they know they can get something in return via a trade.
L.A. would convince Brooklyn to take on Westbrook's $47 million salary as part of a trade. However, as Buha and Amick outlined, a simple Westbrook-for-Irving swap wouldn't workāand things could get complicated:
"The framework of a deal could look something like this: Irving and a second Nets player (Seth Curry,
the newly acquired Royce OāNeale or DayāRon Sharpe) in exchange for
Westbrook and the Lakersā 2027 and 2029 first-round selections. If the
Nets donāt want to take on Westbrookās salary, a third team could enter
the mix, with one of the Lakersā picks and potentially Talen Horton-Tucker and/or Kendrick Nunn being involved."
Los Angeles could also consider dealing Westbrook firstālikely including future draft picks to convince a team to take on his salaryāand then make a play for Irving. The problem there is that there's no telling what Brooklyn will want for Irving without knowing what it can get for Durant first.
"I think Kyrie is going to have wait this out because we're not going to really know what the Nets are going to want to trade him for until we see what Kevin Durant gets traded for," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on Get Up (h/t ClutchPoints).
Right now, the Lakers' most likely path to acquiring Irving involves a direct trade with Brooklyn that may or may not involve a third or even fourth team. It will be complicated and may not transpire until after Durant is dealtāand it hinges entirely on Brooklyn's willingness to trade Irving to L.A.
The good news for the Lakers is that Irving is eager to join them.
"Irving is telling everybody he plans on going to L.A., meaning the Lakers, as soon as he possibly can," ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Thursday on NBA Today.
Thanks to Durant's trade request, bringing Irving to L.A. is again a very real possibility.
NBA Rumors: Thomas Bryant Receiving 'Significant Interest' from Lakers, Celtics, More
Jul 1, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 4, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Veteran center Thomas Bryant is on the radar for some marquee teams in free agency.
Per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are among teams that have shown "significant interest" in Bryant.
Haynes added that Bryant is expected to make a final decision Friday.
Bryant has some familiarity with the Lakers. He was acquired by the team in a draft-day trade in 2017 with the Utah Jazz, who selected him No. 42 overall.
Bryant was assigned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League to start his rookie season. The Indiana University alum made his NBA debut on Dec. 23, 2017. He wound up playing 15 games off the bench in Los Angeles.
Bryant was claimed off waivers by the Washington Wizards in July 2018. His career took off in his first season with the club as he averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 72 appearances.
Injuries began to take a toll on Bryant starting with the 2019-20 season, though. He missed 26 games total, including 20 straight due to a hip injury.
A torn ACL limited Bryant to just 10 games during the 2020-21 campaign. The 24-year-old returned from the injury in January after missing the first 41 games this season. He averaged 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 27 appearances in 2021-22.
Given how many significant injuries Bryant has had over the past three seasons, his new team should carefully manage his minutes in 2022-23.
If the Lakers want to keep Anthony Davis as their starting center next season, Bryant wouldn't be a bad backup option. They could also sign Bryant to be their starter and potentially sign another low-cost free agent to play behind him.
The Celtics currently have Robert Williams III and Daniel Theis. It might be difficult for Bryant to get extensive playing time because of their depth at the position, but they do offer an opportunity to win, having just reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors.
Windhorst: Kyrie Irving 'Focused on Forcing Himself' to Lakers in Nets Trade
Jul 1, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 03: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets cheers from the bench during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving likely will never play another game in a Brooklyn Nets uniform.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that Irving's mind is set on heading out West.
"Kyrie Irving is out of town as fast as he possibly can. He's focused, as [Stephen A. Smith] said, on forcing himself to the L.A. Lakers," Windhorst said on Thursday's episode of SportsCenter.
Windhorst added that it won't be easy for the Nets to entice other teams to give up assets in exchange for Irving.
"Talking with league executives over the last couple of hours, the value of Kyrie Irving in a trade has absolutely plummeted," Windhorst said. "They know that he's gonna be a pure rental, and if he doesn't want to go to the situation he's been going to, it's unclear what he will do."
Irving had exercised his $36.9 million player option to remain with Brooklyn on Wednesday, but it appears that his end goal has always been to land in Los Angeles. Star forward Kevin Durant also reportedly requested to be traded on Thursday, compounding the Nets' problems.
While Irving might be pushing for a reunion with LeBron James on the Lakers, there's no simple way for the team to acquire him. B/R's Jake Fischer wrote that Los Angeles would need help around the league to absorb Irving's contract.
"For that to happen anytime soon, the Lakers would likely need to find a third or even fourth team that would be willing to absorb Russell Westbrook's $47.1 million salary and still find players to compensate Brooklyn for Irving," Fischer wrote.
The Nets are set for an eventful offseason, and Irving will continue to be draw the spotlight until a resolution is determined.
