Since the offseason, the Lakers have been connected with a potential Kyrie Irving trade. When kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week, the opportunity to acquire the talented yet controversial point guard presented itself again. However, it was the Dallas Mavericks rather than the Lakers who were successful in making a deal, exchanging Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and two second-round picks for Kyrie Irving. Despite LeBron James’ apparent enthusiasm to bring kyrie Irving to Lakers, the Lakers’ front office was unwilling to part with the assets Brooklyn nets was requesting.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Nets requested guard Austin Rivers and other assets in addition to Russell Westbrook and two first-round picks, but the Lakers declined further negotiations.
On Friday, he requested a trade due to differences in the franchise. He didn’t accept their offer of a contract extension, so he wanted out. Everyone around the league then looked to the Lakers. For eight months, the Lakers had been discussed, and they’d had multiple chances to get involved with the Brooklyn Nets. Reportedly, they offered Russell Westbrook, two first-round picks, but the Brooklyn Nets asked for Austin Rivers and other assets. It’s interesting that the Lakers didn’t counter with Austin Rivers or any other asset in the negotiations. They stayed firm with Russell Westbrook and the two picks. The Nets didn’t hear from them on Sunday, when Kyrie Irving’s trade occurred.
Examining the various offers, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, coupled with draft capital, gave the team enough to compete. Spencer being a potential number one or two option and Dorian with his versatility on the floor, gave the Dallas Mavericks deal more value than the Lakers’ and Chris Paul’s proposals. Therefore, the Dallas Mavericks deal was chosen for them to strive for success this season.
The Brooklyn Nets were looking for pieces to help them compete now in the Kyrie Irving deal, but the Lakers lacked what they needed. Therefore, the Brooklyn nets team asked for more assets, like Austin Rivers, Max Christie, and additional draft capital, which the Lakers, team wasn’t ready to part with since kyrie Irving is an unrestricted free agent this summer, who could choose to join them.The two sides had different ideas, and neither was backing down. Now, pressure is on the Lakers’ front office to make a move before the deadline on Thursday to bolster their roster.