- Shaquille O’Neal declares that Stephen Curry is ‘by far’ the best player in the world
- Report: LeBron has been assured that Lakers will deal 2027 and 2029 1st-rounders if trade returns them to contender status
- Brian Windhorst says his relationship with LeBron James isn’t what it used to be
- Phil Handy on Kyrie Irving: ‘Offensively, probably the most skilled player to ever put on basketball shoes’
- Report: LeBron James has been ‘privately adamant’ that Lakers still need to upgrade roster and trade for Kyrie Irving
- Video: Ben Simmons told he ‘can’t shoot’ after repeatedly being called Russell Westbrook
- Report: Rob Pelinka has been ‘very active’ in trying to improve Lakers roster in 2 specific areas
- Lakers announce date for Pau Gasol’s jersey retirement
- Report: LeBron James signs extension with Lakers that could keep him with team through 2024-25 season
- Fox Sports Radio’s Robert Guerra questions whether LeBron James is even a top 10 Laker of all time
Report: Kyrie Irving is focused on forcing his way to the Lakers
- Updated: June 30, 2022

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is telling everyone that he plans to go to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Kyrie Irving is focused on forcing his way to the Lakers, per @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/ER30WrvvMh
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 30, 2022
Irving has been linked to the Lakers all offseason, but things had cooled down when he opted into his player option for the 2022-23 season.
However, with Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, Irving is expected to be on the move as well this offseason.
The Lakers could orchestrate a deal for Irving by moving Russell Westbrook, but it is unclear if the Nets would be willing to take Westbrook back in a potential trade.
Irving is a fantastic offensive player, but he comes with a little bit of baggage as well.
He has missed time with injuries over the last few seasons, and last year he appeared in just 29 games during the regular season. The seven-time All-Star was unable to play in Nets’ home games for a good chunk of the season due to his vaccination status.
Even so, Irving averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The Lakers certainly could use his talent, and Irving has already won an NBA title playing alongside LeBron James during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers are looking to improve their roster and get back into the postseason after missing the playoffs in the 2021-22 campaign.
It will be interesting to see how the Lakers proceed in the Irving sweepstakes this offseason.