Kyrie Irving Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets Might Be Top Contenders For Guard In 2019

There’s been speculation for months that Kyrie Irving will leave the Boston Celtics for the New York Knicks, but no one seems to know for sure where the point guard will land. The latest rumors are linking Irving to two other teams this summer.

Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher said on “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” Tuesday that Irving’s decision is coming down to the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. Bucher expects Irving to land with the Nets, though he’s been told Kobe Bryant has recently been trying to get the free agent to L.A.

There has been a lot of noise regarding Irving and Brooklyn. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has noted on multiple occasions that those around Irving are trying to convince him to sign with the Nets. While there have been rumors that Irving and Kevin Durant could team up with the Knicks, The New York Times’ Marc Stein has reported that there’s a chance the two free agents will go to Brooklyn together.

The Nets would have to do some maneuvering in order to sign two max free agents. That would likely mean trading Allen Crabbe and his $18.5 million salary for the 2019-2020 season.

"It's between Brooklyn and the Lakers... I was told in the last 24 hours Kobe has been recruiting Kyrie in particular, to get him to the Lakers. Everything I've heard I would still expect Kyrie is going to go to Brooklyn... He just bought a place in South Orange." — @RicBucher pic.twitter.com/HICrTPushl
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 28, 2019

Mutual interest between Irving and the Nets could complicate D’Angelo Russell’s future in Brooklyn. Russell is set to be a restricted free agent, though SNY recently reported that the Nets would be open to signing both point guards.

Brooklyn could even try to sign Russell and trade him to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis. It’s no secret that the Lakers are trying to acquire Davis, and being able to put him on a team with both Irving and LeBron James is probably Los Angeles’ dream scenario.

There are conflicting reports regarding whether or not Irving would actually reunite with James. Their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended abruptly, but the relationship between the two stars has seemingly been repaired. Irving is also close with Bryant, who indicated to Bucher that he isn’t actively recruiting players to the Lakers.

The Lakers are hoping to use their max salary slot on a star player this summer. They are considered long shots to land Durant, Kawhi Leonard or Klay Thompson.

Irving, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker are expected to be pursued by the Lakers.