LA’s package wasn’t enough for Brooklyn.
In an unfortunate turn of events, All-Star Kyrie Irving will not make his way to the purple and gold. Instead, Irving will head to the Dallas Mavericks and team up with Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks gave up Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, their 2029 first-round pick, and their 2027 and 2029 second-round picks. All those picks and players were enough to require Irving for what could be an expensive five-month rental, at minimum.
Nonetheless, the Mavericks gambled and got themselves one of the best players on the planet.
The Lakers were also in on Irving; not sure if you guys knew that, and they would have been much better with Kyrie on the squad. Everyone knew what the Lakers could have offered for Kyrie, but NBA insider Ian Begley revealed what LA offered to the Brooklyn Nets for the eight-time All-Star.
Yup, The Lakers brass either seriously thought that a first-round pick and Russell Westbrook would be enough for Kyrie, or they weren’t serious about acquiring Irving in the process.
I’d go with the latter and say they were never serious about improving their team and increasing their chances of winning a championship this season.
I don’t blame the Nets for choosing the Mavericks package; it’s a better deal, and Spencer and Dorian are far better than 2023 Westbrook.
LA could now turn their focus to other potential suitors for a trade or stand pat and be a play-in team at best.