NBA Rumors: Kyrie Irving Linked To Lakers, Conflicting Reports About Playing With LeBron James

It’s long been reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are not the preferred choice of any top free agent that’s set to hit the market. Kevin Durant is reportedly eyeing the New York Knicks, while Kawhi Leonard is likely to join the Los Angeles Clippers if he leaves the Toronto Raptors. Klay Thompson will be seeking a max contract, but it’s hard to imagine the Golden State Warriors will let him walk.

Then there’s Kyrie Irving, who might be the most intriguing player that will be available this summer. He’s a perennial All-Star, but his performance as the Boston Celtics’ No.1 option this postseason could mean he can’t be the best player on a contender. There is also the question of how he views the Lakers as a potential destination, and the answer seems to be a different one every day.

At the start of the 2018-2019 season, the idea that Irving might reunite with LeBron James in Los Angeles was an unfathomable one. That changed as Irving continued to appear unhappy in Boston and the 27-year-old admitted to mending fences with his former teammate.

Now that Irving can sign with any team in just a month, there are conflicting reports regarding the likelihood of him actually signing with the Lakers.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has indicated that the Lakers are in the running to sign Irving, at the very least. Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher told FS1’s Colin Cowherd earlier this week that Los Angeles is one of two very realistic options for Irving.

It’s pretty clear that the Lakers would sign Irving in a heartbeat. Bucher said Kobe Bryant is trying to get Irving to join his former team. There are reports that James has been in contact with Irving. James even liked a photo on Instagram that showed his former Cleveland Cavaliers’ teammate wearing a Lakers’ jersey.

Others seem unconvinced that Irving would willingly choose to play with James after he asked to be traded from Cleveland just two years ago.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has maintained that Irving’s decision will come down to the Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. There have been rumors for months that Irving is looking to team up with Durant in the Big Apple.

ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan said on last week’s “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast that people close to Irving don’t believe he’s going to the Lakers.

The race for Irving could end up being a four-team bidding war among the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks and Nets.