NBA Rumors: Potential Irving Signing May Have Altered Course For Lue And Lakers

The only thing sure for the Los Angeles Lakers right now is that they are in a state of turmoil. With the coaching search still ongoing, the purple and gold find themselves groping and unable to move forward since there is no actual direction or vision that is normally set in place by a head coach.

Tyronn Lue would have been the perfect fit, seeing how he has ties with LeBron James. But initial reports claim that everything went kaput when both sides failed to agree on the length of tenure of the 42-year-old mentor. Lue wanted a five-year deal but the Lakers were willing to give him only three years. With that unresolved, both parties decided to end contract talks, Manila Bulletin Sports reported.

And while the Lakers continue to interview new candidates such as Frank Vogel and J.B. Bickerstaff, there are now rumors that the contract longevity may not be the sole reason behind Lue suddenly being taken out of the picture. The name of Kyrie Irving has suddenly entered the picture, someone who could possibly rejoin James in Hollywood this summer.

According to the Bill Simmons Podcast, Lue and Irving do not actually see eye-to-eye. Had the deal pushed through, it would have meant bidding adieu to possibly adding Irving this summer. Hence, it may have all come down to a choice of either signing Lue or Irving.

Do take note, that this is more of an opinionated piece and not factual for now. While most know that Irving left the Cavaliers in 2017, the press release is that he did not want to play second fiddle to James. That issue has since been resolved and both James and Irving are now in speaking terms. Eventually, that was what spurred the potential coming of Irving to the Lakers although nothing is definite for now.

The reason behind that is the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes is not limited to the Lakers. The New York Knicks are also in play to land Uncle Drew along with possibly Kevin Durant. The Celtics could make a pitch to Irving as well, all accounting for a crazy NBA offseason as free agents listen to the (ridiculous) offers coming their way.

As for Irving joining the Lakers, the fact that Los Angeles does not yet have a head coach could factor in as well. The 27-year-old needs to see the direction and composition of the team before making a decision. That verdict will be handed down on July 1 and hopefully, the Lakers already have a head coach by that time.