Prediction: Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James always seems to get his way. And right now, it seems like he wants Kyrie Irving in purple and gold more than anything.
The two have a brief yet successful history together. They played three seasons with each other in Cleveland, reaching the NBA Finals in all three seasons and delivering a championship in what is arguably the greatest two-man performance in finals history.
Since Irving’s abrupt departure, LeBron has achieved far more success. He’s been back to the finals twice since then, winning another ring in 2020. Meanwhile, Irving has flamed out with two teams and is back on the market.
Trading Russell Westbrook for Irving seems to make the most sense. Westbrook appears to be pushing for a way out of LA just as Irving is looking for a way in.
Above all else? It’s LeGM pulling the strings. I’d be surprised if this swap did not happen at some point before the 2023 trade deadline.