Kyrie Irving Made Up with LeBron, But He’s Still a Longshot to Join Lakers
- Despite a public apology, Kyrie Irving still has long odds to join LeBron’s Lakers
- Irving has verbally committed to re-signing with the Celtics
- Is there any value on a Kyrie to the Lakers wager?
Now that Kyrie Irving and LeBron James have kissed and made-up, the rumor mill is running wild about a potential reunion in Los Angeles.
So, uh… Stephen A. Smith says he got a text from a “source” involving Kyrie Irving and the Lakers ? https://t.co/P1i4Etbxnr pic.twitter.com/9CT36bqMY7
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) January 18, 2019
Online Sportsbooks, however, seem less convinced, and are offering long odds that Irving will sign with the Lakers in free agency.
Where Will Kyrie Irving Play Game 1 of the 2019-20 Regular Season?
| Where Will Kyrie Irving Play Game 1 of the 2019-20 Regular Season? | Odds (01/24/19) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +600 |
| Any other team | -1200 |
Prior to the start of this season, the odds favored Kyrie re-signing in Boston, and the way this team is positioned for the future, it seems ludicrous that there was ever any speculation he might be traded before the deadline.
The Celtics are Loaded
This is arguably the most talented team Irving has ever been a part of, and with an abundance of future first round draft picks, they’re only going to get better. After an inconsistent start to the season, Boston has found its stride, reeling off five straight wins, in large part due to the play of Kyrie.
Kyrie Irving seals the @celtics win from way downtown!
FINAL in Boston:#CUsRise 117#WeTheNorth 108 pic.twitter.com/C3kMBHzF7E
— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2019
He’s enjoying arguably his best statistical season ever, registering career highs in shooting percentage, assists, steals and pace.
During Boston’s current four-game winning streak, Kyrie Irving is averaging 30.8 points on 60.3% shooting (14-25 3-PT), 11.0 assists and 2.5 steals
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) January 22, 2019
He’s already made a verbal commitment to remain in Boston and who could blame him? He’s finally the alpha on a championship caliber team, the exact thing he was looking for when he left LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Joining LeBron James in LA Would Be a Step Back
Irving has no interest in playing Robin to anyone’s Batman, even LeBron. He already won a championship as James’ sidekick, and he’s determined to prove he can lead his own team to a title.
He’s been extremely vocal about his role as the Celtics leader all season, and while he’s had a few missteps along the way his intentions are good, and he seems to determined to mold this young Celtics team into the favorites in the East.
Kyrie Irving vows to not call Celtics teammates out in public again https://t.co/98ihWXCf00
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 14, 2019
Irving and James’ Relationship Won’t Have a Hollywood Ending
Irving was not interested in having James pass him the torch in Cleveland, and he won’t be interested in taking over the Lakers once LeBron finally retires.
.@maxkellerman thinks Kyrie Irving is using LeBron James as a “prop.” pic.twitter.com/EdjBIaV2kq
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 17, 2019
His situation in Boston is ideal, and with the Celtics built to succeed for many years, it offers him by far the best opportunity to be the leader of a championship team. Don’t bet on him leaving Beantown anytime soon, especially not to join the Lakers.
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
