Kyrie Irving Clearly Frustrated In Cleveland, Could Turn To Lakers

Kyrie Irving doesn’t want to stick around in Cleveland, per a report from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

Since the Lakers have failed time after time to capitalize on big free agents in recent memory, including a nixed trade years ago that would have given them Chris Paul, going after Kyrie Irving needs to be an all-out affair.

Smith is quoted as saying that “under ideal circumstances he would prefer to be someplace other than Cleveland”, so on that note, it may take a perfect storm.

But considering what the Lakers continue to surprise us with, is it really fair to rule that out already?

No, it’s not — so don’t do it.

The Irving conversation brings back to life the discussion of whether or not the Lakers should or would consider dishing one of their prized players in D’Angelo Russell and/or Jordan Clarkson.

Clarkson was the biggest surprise last season, emerging as one of the better players that Byron Scott has had to work with in Los Angeles.

Russell, on the other hand, has gone through the motions thus far very much to the extent that we’d expect to see from a rookie campaign.

Coming into the season, especially early on, it felt as though Scott’s expectations were way too high for D’Angelo Russell, thus causing a little bit of an uneasy feeling within the franchise.

Scott also hasn’t had the best relationship with the front office which, while not necessary to keep his job, could mean he’ll be working elsewhere next season.

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Regardless of those things, a trade getting Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles in exchange for Clarkson would be the best bet long term for both sides.

Clarkson’s upside could fill the youth gap left by Andrew Wiggins, who ended up being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly after the Cavaliers drafted him a few seasons ago.

In return, Los Angeles would get a veteran point guard for Russell to continue to work under.

It may mean that Russell would have to deal with more bench time than he’d like for one more season, but if he can master being the understudy of someone like Irving, it’ll help him craft his own game moving forward.

And once Irving reaches his would be peak in Los Angeles, Russell would be ready to take full control and own the moment.

It’s not that Russell is missing energy, work ethic, or ability, but a lack of experience hasn’t helped him thus far in his early days with the Lakers.

And it doesn’t help that the coach still views him as a kid — it only brings him down.

Also, Irving played in Cleveland doing his own thing for a short while during LeBron James‘ championship runs in Miami — so he’s been where Russell would be before.

The only difference is whether or not Russell will have the patience to accept that as the plan.

Next: Jeff Green Is Perfect Fit For Clippers

There is still plenty to be played out this season, but if Irving still isn’t happy in Cleveland come this off-season, the Lakers would be more than foolish to not make a push for the proven point guard.