Kyrie Irving is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers in a proposed trade deal.
The Lakers have proposed trading 4 players, including Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht, along with two first-round picks, to acquire Irving from the Dallas Mavericks.
What happened?
The Lakers recently agreed to a four-year, $185 million maximum contract extension with Austin Reaves.
This deal is the most by an undrafted player in NBA history.
Why it matters for Kyrie Irving
Irving's potential move to the Lakers would mark a reunion with Luka Doncic, forming a formidable backcourt duo.
They previously led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024.
What comes next?
The Lakers' offer may be welcomed by the Mavericks, who are motivated by the Lakers' draft assets.
Irving will be on a player option after next season, and taking on his deal may not be feasible for the Mavs in the long term.
The proposed trade would allow the Lakers to maximize their offseason cap flexibility.
Reaves' deal comes with a $20.9 million cap hold, which would help facilitate the trade.
Irving, 34, missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn ACL.
His health remains the biggest challenge for a trade, but if the Lakers can get the healthy version, they will have a contention-worthy lineup.
The Lakers can see a fit in making a move for Irving, given his ability to operate off-ball and finish at the rim with elite handles.
He could thrive as a secondary creator in Los Angeles, just as he did a couple of seasons back.
There is also the potential reunion with LeBron James if he remains in L.A.
Together, they helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first championship in 2016.
The trade would provide the Lakers with immediate high-level production without long-term dead weight.
Irving's deal provides a significant boost to the Lakers' lineup, making them a strong contender in the NBA.