LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets 'actively engaged' in talks for Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving trade
- Sean Fisher
- 3 July 2022
The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly inching closer to a trade deal that could reunite LeBron James with Kyrie Irving.
With the NBA off-season now in full flow, plenty of rumours and reports are swirling, with the latest suggesting a Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving trade could be on the cards.
Following the news that Kevin Durant has requested a trade away from the Nets, it was widely believed that good friend Irving would follow suit.
It seems Irving has his sights set on a move to Los Angeles, where he could reunite with former teammate LeBron James.
LeBron and Irving shared the court together during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the pair playing together between 2014-17 during LeBron's second stint with the franchise.
The pair helped the Cavs to the 2016 NBA championship, and their reunion would likely make the Lakers a championship favourite once again heading into next season.
Irving's move would reportedly include Russell Westbrook heading in the opposite direction to the Nets, although it seems both teams have multiple hurdles standing in the way of a deal.
According to reporter Chris Haynes, the Nets want shooting guard Joe Harris included in the deal, while the Lakers would prefer to include sharpshooter Seth Curry, who is on an expiring $8.5 million deal.
"There's palpable optimism that an agreement can be struck between the two sides this offseason, but there remain a few hurdles." Haynes wrote.
If Irving isn't able to follow Durant to a new destination, the 30-year-old's next-best opportunity would be reuniting with LeBron, although talks remain fluid at this current stage.
As for Durant, it seems the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors are both keen on making a trade in the coming weeks.
