Lakers May Pursue Kyrie Irving as Roster Adjustments Loom

As the offseason approaches, speculation is swirling around the Los Angeles Lakers and their potential roster changes. While many anticipate minimal alterations this summer, significant shifts could still take place by the time the new season kicks off in October.

Concerns persist regarding the championship viability of a squad featuring both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, particularly with the looming possibility of LeBron James exiting the team. According to Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, the Lakers are emerging as a plausible destination for Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks' nine-time All-Star point guard. "Detroit Pistons are also a realistic suitor of Kyrie Irving," Robinson noted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets are contenders as well.

Robinson further elaborated that the Lakers have "quietly weighed the pros and cons of re-pairing" Doncic and Irving should James decide to leave. Irving, who spent a couple of seasons with Doncic in Dallas, helped guide a lackluster Mavericks team to the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite being sidelined since last season due to an Achilles injury, the 34-year-old point guard still has the potential to contribute significantly.

The Mavericks face uncertainty 16 months after trading Doncic to Los Angeles, even as Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg emerges as a promising talent. With two years remaining on his contract, including a player option for the 2027-28 season, Irving's future in Dallas is unclear, particularly given his mismatch with the team's evolving timeline. Last season, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from beyond the arc before his injury.