Before Kyrie Irving chose to enter the final year of his deal with the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, there was apparently mutual interest between the Boston Celtics star and the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst discussed the subject on his podcast, Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, on Tuesday:
"I'm aware that there are league members that disagree with this, including high-ranking individuals; we're not talking about minor players here.
I'm not sure. Regarding the Lakers, allow me to say this. He certainly wanted to play for the Lakers very badly. He piqued the Lakers' intense interest."
Irving confirmed on Monday that he has activated his $36.5 million option for the 2022–2023 season, so for the time being he is still a Net.
To make it official, he has until Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET.