LA Lakers Eye Shock Move for Two-Time NBA Champ — Luka Doncic’s Favorite Ex-Celtic on Their Radar…Read More…
In a move that’s sending ripples through the NBA rumor mill, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly setting their sights on a two-time NBA champion and former Boston Celtics standout — a player who also happens to be highly admired by Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. As the Lakers front office works overtime to reshape their roster for a serious championship push, whispers of this potential acquisition have ignited debates among fans, analysts, and league insiders alike.
The player in question? None other than Kyrie Irving, the enigmatic guard known for his dazzling handles, clutch performances, and championship pedigree. Though his name has swirled around trade rumors for years, this latest twist places him firmly in the Lakers’ crosshairs — a franchise desperate to pair LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a game-changing guard who can ignite their offense.
From Celtic Green to Purple and Gold?
Kyrie Irving’s history with the Boston Celtics remains a mixed chapter. After requesting a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, Irving landed in Boston with sky-high expectations. Though he dazzled in stretches and led the Celtics deep into the playoffs despite injuries, his tenure was also marred by chemistry issues and locker room drama. Still, his talent on the court was undeniable, and his championship experience remains a valuable commodity in a league hungry for proven playoff performers.
Now, with the Lakers rumored to be aggressively pursuing the mercurial star, the prospect of Irving suiting up in purple and gold — alongside former Cleveland teammate LeBron James — suddenly feels more real than ever. Their previous partnership brought the Cleveland Cavaliers their historic 2016 NBA title, highlighted by Irving’s unforgettable game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Luka Doncic’s Admiration Adds Intrigue
What makes this potential move even more fascinating is Luka Doncic’s open admiration for Kyrie Irving. After their brief but electrifying stint as Dallas Mavericks teammates, Doncic frequently praised Irving’s leadership, offensive creativity, and fearless approach in big moments.
“Playing with Kyrie was an experience I’ll never forget,” Doncic said during a media session last season. “His work ethic, his clutch mindset — it’s on another level. I learned a lot from him.”
Doncic’s endorsement of Irving speaks volumes about the veteran’s continued respect within NBA circles, despite off-court controversies and occasional questions about his leadership. The fact that Doncic, one of the game’s brightest young stars, holds Irving in such high regard only underscores why the Lakers might be willing to gamble on bringing him into their fold.
A Risk Worth Taking for the Lakers?
The Lakers’ interest in Kyrie Irving isn’t just a nostalgic play to reunite him with LeBron. It’s a calculated gamble aimed at addressing glaring needs in their backcourt. While D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and other role players have contributed, the Lakers lack a consistent secondary star who can relieve LeBron of playmaking duties and deliver when it matters most in crunch time.
Irving, with his playoff pedigree and scoring prowess, fits that mold perfectly. However, his acquisition wouldn’t come without risks. From injury concerns to potential chemistry disruptions, Irving brings as much uncertainty as he does star power. Yet, with LeBron entering the twilight of his career, the Lakers’ championship window isn’t infinite. Betting on Irving might be a roll of the dice they feel compelled to make.
Salary Cap Gymnastics and Trade Scenarios
Of course, bringing Irving to Los Angeles would require some salary cap maneuvering. With Irving recently exercising his player option with Dallas, any move would likely involve a sign-and-trade deal or a multi-team transaction to make the finances work. The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has shown creativity in past deals and would need to be at their sharpest to pull off such a high-profile move.
Possible trade scenarios could involve packaging assets like Russell, Rui Hachimura, and draft picks to match salaries and sweeten the deal for Dallas — assuming the Mavericks are open to parting ways with Irving after a mixed stint in Texas.
The LeBron Factor
One cannot underestimate LeBron James’ influence on this situation. James has long advocated for an Irving reunion, even subtly hinting at it in past interviews. With LeBron still carrying significant weight within Lakers management, his desire to team up with Kyrie again could tip the scales in the front office’s decision-making.
What Lies Ahead
For now, everything remains speculation — but in the NBA, where smoke often leads to fire, this story is far from over. Whether the Lakers’ pursuit of Kyrie Irving materializes into a blockbuster deal or fizzles into another off-season rumor, the mere possibility underscores their aggressive mindset heading into the new season.
One thing is clear: with championship aspirations burning brighter than ever, the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t content sitting on the sidelines. And if Kyrie Irving does make his way to Hollywood, it could ignite a seismic shift in the NBA landscape — one that brings LeBron’s Lakers roaring back into title contention.
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