There could be a third star interested in joining the Lakers.
Kyrie Irving “wants to play with” Anthony Davis, according to a report from The Athletic, which cites unidentified league sources. Davis was reportedly sent from the Pelicans to the Lakers this weekend in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks.
The Pelicans have agreed to a deal to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks – including the No. 4 overall in 2019 Draft, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2019
Irving and Lakers star LeBron James won a championship together while they were teammates with the Cavaliers from 2014-17. But Irving reportedly wanted a bigger role and asked Cleveland to trade him before he was eventually sent to the Celtics.
Irving, however, said he apologized to James during a phone call in late January. The Lakers are also expected to pursue Kemba Walker, Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler this offseason.
Irving reportedly will not use his player option with the Celtics and is “prepared to sign” with the Nets this summer, according to an earlier report from the Boston Herald. The report notes “anything involving Irving should be seen as a fluid matter.”
Irving has continually been linked with the Nets. They reportedly created an additional $18 million in cap space earlier this month by sending the No. 17 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, a protected first-round selection in 2020 and Allen Crabbe to the Hawks in exchange for Taurean Prince.
Irving averaged 23.8 points and 6.9 assists for Boston this season. The Celtics finished 2018-19 with a 49-33 record and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they fell to the Bucks in five games.
The 27-year-old could return to the Celtics and the Knicks will reportedly attempt to sign him, as well.
