Kyrie Irving Trade: Three reasons it makes a lot of sense for Lakers

Both teams can get what they want

In this situation, the Lakers could really benefit from Kyrie Irving if they want to center their life around Lonzo Ball. Given that Ball’s ability is strongest in passing, Irving can help with the scoring, finishing, and overall offensive creativity.

While this might not happen if Irving were a free agent, the reality is that he doesn’t decide where he gets to go. The Cleveland front office, well what’s left of it anyway, has to think of how they can get their biggest bang for their buck.

And surprisingly enough, just like the Paul George situation, they may go with a low ball deal that gets their star out of town. While it might seem petty, it also makes sense for them to not give Irving what he wants.

Being outspoken with regards to no longer wanting to share the floor with LeBron James can’t leave a good taste in the Cavs’ mouth. Not to mention the fact that LeBron James himself will be a free agent next summer, and could ultimately move on from Cleveland for good.

In a here and now deal, the Lakers could successfully send center Brook Lopez to the Cavs. It works out on the money side of things, and if Cleveland did make one more Finals appearance with James, having an efficient big man would certainly help.

The Lakers would just have to find a way to rotate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but that’d be at the end of their priority list at that point.