The Los Angeles Lakers should avoid a costly move for Kyrie Irving. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty ... [+] Images)
Getty ImagesAnother season of the Los Angeles Lakers coming up short of their goal of winning a championship brings yet another offseason of potential blockbuster trade talk. And this time, the biggest name being mentioned in any potential Lakers trade is Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving.
By all accounts, the Lakers turned in a surprising campaign just by making it to the postseason following a 2-10 start. Secondly, the season was a successful one just by the sheer fact that Los Angeles was able to advance all the way to the Western Conference Finals after shedding Russell Westbrook for two key starters in addition to a role player at the trade deadline.
But the ultimate goal — and realistically, the only one — in Los Angeles is to raise another championship banner.
While the Lakers came up short of their goal, they need to be very careful when it comes to any potential blockbuster trade surrounding a star, particularly Irving.
Because the Lakers came up short for the third straight season, combined with LeBron James’ postgame retirement chatter following the team’s Game 4 loss, Los Angeles will enter its most important offseason since they acquired Anthony Davis back in 2019.
James made headlines following the Lakers’ 113-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets earlier in the week, leaving the idea open of a possible retirement. The comments came as a shock to many considering James still has two years — one is a player option worth over $50.6 million for the 2024-25 season — and $97.1 million remaining on his deal with Los Angeles.
Considering James still has plenty of juice left in the tank — he nearly single-handedly led the Lakers to victory in Game 4, posting 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists — it would be hard to see him walk away. But a big reason why James brought up the idea of retirement other than pure emotions following a tough loss is this — he knows the Lakers as currently constructed aren’t good enough to win a championship.
Is an aging, injury-prone James/Anthony Davis-led duo surrounded by the likes of solid role player fits such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell good enough to make it to the playoffs and make a deep run? Sure.
Is it good enough to win a championship and compete with the likes of younger and more athletic rosters such as the Nuggets, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat? Simply put, no.
This is James’ way of sending a message to Los Angeles. And while it doesn’t directly relate to the Lakers making a move for Irving, it’s a message to Lakers brass that the organization needs to add that missing piece.
The Lakers’ options for a mega star via trade will likely be limited. While some have pitched the idea of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, the more likely — and available —option will be Irving.
We all know why this potential move interests James — he and Irving led the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016. Since their rough breakup led to Irving joining the Boston Celtics in 2017, they’ve made up and are on good terms again. The idea of this former duo teaming up again was previously teased at the trade deadline this season before the Brooklyn Nets ultimately decided the Mavericks’ offer was better than the Lakers’ one.
It also helps that Irving is durable — when he wants to play — and could play ball-handler, which lessens James’ workload as he winds down his career. It also doesn’t hurt that Irving can create his own shots and can be clutch when called upon, something that could have made a difference when the Lakers loss three games by six points or less to the Nuggets.
While the idea looks great on paper, it’s a mess for two reasons — salary cap and the fact that Irving is an enigma.
It wasn’t too long ago that the Lakers rejoiced when they pulled off a blockbuster trade for Westbrook. The thought process was this — the Lakers needed a third star to compete for a title and Westbrook would carry the team when James and Davis were out for games.
Except neither of that was true. The Lakers won a championship with two stars and a cast of role players capable of playing stout defense and hitting an occasional three-pointer. Secondly, not only was Westbrook a bad pairing with James, he couldn’t lead Los Angeles to victories when either of their top two stars were out.
Lastly, Westbrook’s contract — he was the highest-paid player on the Lakers during the 2021-22 season at $44.2 million — posed a major problem as Los Angeles was forced to round out its roster with veteran’s minimum players on their last legs such as Carmelo Anthony, Wayne Ellington and Dwight Howard.
And what did it result in?
Probably the most frustrating year-and-a-half of Lakers basketball as Los Angeles missed the playoffs in 2022 and were on the verge of doing so again in 2023 before flipping Westbrook at the trade deadline.
Do the Lakers really want to do that again?
While acquiring Irving via a sign-and-trade — the most likely path to acquiring Irving since Los Angeles likely doesn’t have the salary cap space to simply sign him in free agency — is possible, it would require the Lakers to basically itself their current core while surrounding James, Davis, Irving with Reaves and a bunch of veteran’s minimum players.
Doesn’t this scenario sound awfully familiar?
As great of a player as James is, he’s never been a great general manager. He’s always had an affinity for playing with good friends of his, even if they’re ill-fits for his talents and his current teams. Remember, James played a role in Westbrook being acquired as he personally recruited him.
The Lakers may need help when it comes to getting over the hump and winning another championship. But while James did send a message to the organization with his tease of a possible retirement, it doesn’t mean Los Angeles should sacrifice the farm just because LeBron is desperate for a fifth ring as his career comes closer to an end.
The Lakers will have options this season. But one option they need to avoid is the temptation of adding Irving.
There will be better — and more cost-effective — solutions towards ensuring Los Angeles is closer to a championship next season.
DJ Siddiqi, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/djsiddiqi/2023/05/26/los-angeles-lakers-should-tread-carefully-in-any-potential-move-for-kyrie-irving/
By: DJ Siddiqi, Contributor
Title: Los Angeles Lakers Should Tread Carefully In Any Potential Move For Kyrie Irving
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/djsiddiqi/2023/05/26/los-angeles-lakers-should-tread-carefully-in-any-potential-move-for-kyrie-irving/
Published Date: 05-27-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bill Russell last seen?
"The great ones play when they count most" - Bill Russell
Legends last forever. Legends die when they stop playing.
But, for those few minutes, the greatest player in basketball gave us a glimpse to his greatness.
Russell was born in February 1934. He died on July 31, 2022. In only thirteen seasons, Russell won 11 championships with Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell is the recipient of five MVP awards as well as 12 All-Star selections. He was a phenomenal leader and defender who revolutionized the sport with his passion to win.
He transformed the Celtics team from a poor one to one of sports' greatest dynasties. He was a tough competitor and an unselfish teammate, who inspired his teammates towards their full potential.
Russell has inspired generations. His legacy will not be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. You will forever be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players.
Which is the greatest rivalry within the NBA?
The NBA's biggest rivalry is held by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
The NBA Finals' most-matched teams have been the Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Lakers, who met 12 times. The Celtics have won nine times in those meetings. Their first meeting was in 1959, but they both continued to excel in the following years, especially during the 1960s and 1980s, when they would face each other six times and three, respectively. Although 2000 marked a new millennium, these two teams still met twice more within that same year range.
What is a restricted agent free in NBA?
An NBA restricted-free agent is a player whose rookie contract has been completed and who becomes an unrestricted, free agent. However, their rights are still owned by their previous team. The team can match any offer sheet that another team makes to the player in this situation. The player can choose to match any offer made by another team. However, they must stay with the previous team and honor their contract. This allows teams to retain players who have proven themselves valuable in the past but may not be able to afford them under their current salary cap. This type of restricted free agent can give teams valuable flexibility in building their rosters.
How much does the NBA pay a ref?
Referees in National Basketball Association (NBA), receive competitive salaries for their officiating responsibilities. The average NBA referee is paid between $150,000-550,000 per year. This salary scale can be affected by experience. Experienced referees are paid higher salaries. Refs who are involved in the playoffs or finals earn higher salaries than those who assume additional roles like training new refs, or working in the video reviewing center. A few NBA refs also earn royalties and endorsements for their work on television or other media outlets. A job as a referee in the NBA is highly lucrative. If one is willing and able to put in the effort, it can be a steady source of income.
Apart from a salary, NBA referees receive retirement plans and health insurance. Referees have a healthier lifestyle because they make crucial decisions that can change the outcome of games. Refs also often receive subsidized accommodations, meals, and travel to away games. This can be a comforting factor for referees who strive to achieve perfection on the courts.
NBA referees make a decent salary for their hard work and dedication, especially when they are responsible for enforcing rules during one of the world's most popular sports. The job can be demanding, but it is a rewarding experience that provides referees with an opportunity to make a difference in basketball.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nba.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
sports.yahoo.com
- Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos
- Game 1 of NBA Finals sees lowest viewership in recorded ratings history
bleacherreport.com
How To
What compensation is offered to NBA players for being injured?
NBA players with guaranteed contracts get their money in full, even if they are unable or injured to play. Some even have made millions playing basketball without ever having to play a single game. Their contract may be terminated or they could lose their bonuses. Non-guaranteed players will not typically receive any pay until their health allows them to return to the NBA. The NBA can provide some assistance with disability payments or a lump sum settlement for those who qualify, but there is no guarantee of pay during an injury absence. Teams and the league can also help those who are in greatest need.
The Injury Disability Plan can be used to help teams. Ultimately, it depends on the individual and his team's situation. Sometimes players can negotiate with their teams to get some money while they are out of town due to injury. The league and the team cannot guarantee payment for injuries, but players need to be aware that they can help. Each situation should be considered as an individual. The NBA has detailed rules for injuries and payment during injury absences. Knowing these rules can help players make agreements with their teams, or to make informed financial decisions about the future. For any questions or concerns, it is important that you consult a professional.
