The Los Angeles Lakers remain at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 2-10 record. It is an open secret that LeBron James would like reinforcements – there could also be a reunion with an old acquaintance.
The Lakers were already considered a possible prospect for Kyrie Irving in the offseason. With no deal going through, James’ former Cleveland teammate could theoretically move to Los Angeles as a free agent next summer. It is not yet known whether the controversy of the last few weeks will change the interest.
Irving shared an anti-Semitic film and then initially missed several opportunities to clearly distance himself from the content, which is why he was subsequently suspended from the Brooklyn Nets. Now that he’s met with Nets owner Joe Tsai for a “positive meeting,” the ban is expected to be lifted soon.
James had previously leveled criticism at Irving, but on Thursday he did Twitter told that the ban should be lifted. “Kyrie has apologized and should be allowed to play” wrote James. There is now speculation in league circles as to what led James to act like Zach Lowe (ESPN) revealed in his podcast.
“Maybe he just said it because he believes in it, and that was it. But I can say that there are some people in the league and even in the Lakers who read LeBron opening the door,” Lowe said . The insider had described Irving’s trade value as “radioactive” a few days ago, but James may want to take advantage of this.
“It could at least open the door to, ‘Hey, if you’re comfortable with that and all the implications that’s going to have, and if the Nets just want to get out of the Kyrie deal now so we can have it for a lot less , maybe just a pick…'” Lowe speculated.
Lakers: Dennis Schröder nearing comeback
There was also news among our own players on Friday. Like Brad Turner (L.A. Times) reported, Dennis Schröder and center Thomas Bryant were evaluated this week and are both making good progress. Both are to be re-evaluated next Thursday and could then be close to their respective comebacks.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are also looking at some free agents in search of roster upgrades. According to Shams Charania, currently unsigned Joe Wieskamp and Tony Snell recently auditioned in Los Angeles.
