For more than a year now, rumors about the Los Angeles Lakers and Kyrie Irving have swirled nonstop.
The rumors picked up a lot of steam last summer when Irving allegedly attempted to leave the Brooklyn Nets.
They picked up again a few months ago when he demanded a trade, eventually moving to the Dallas Mavericks.
Even though he was traded to Dallas, there was endless speculation that he would head even further west in the summer and wind up with LeBron James and the Lakers.
But NBA insider Jovan Buha says that won’t be happening.
According to Legion Hoops, Buha said that the Lakers are not expected to pursue Irving in the offseason.
Instead, the team has a “very strong” interest in re-signing returning guard D’Angelo Russell.
REPORT: The Lakers are not expected to pursue Kyrie Irving in the off-season, per @jovanbuha.
LA has “very strong” interest in re-signing D’Angelo Russell. pic.twitter.com/wq0MASlXzg
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 16, 2023
There are a number of reasons why the Lakers have grown lukewarm on Irving.
He is a very talented star and could garner a huge, expensive payday from the team.
Secondly, they seem to have a good thing going with Russell, who has been doing tremendous work since re-joining LA a few weeks ago.
Irving also brings a lot of baggage with him and can cause any team’s front office to have a few headaches.
This all adds up to the Lakers wanting to keep things the way they are now.
But does this mean Irving remains in Dallas or will he move to a new city in the summer?
The Mavericks knew that they might only have Irving for a limited time due to his short-term contract.
Will they be willing to dish out a big deal to retain him after the upcoming offseason?
NEXT: NBA Analyst Is Confused By Latest Lakers Move
