Odds Say Kyrie Irving Trade to Lakers a Near Certainty

• The Lakers have emerged as a sizeable favorite to trade for Kyrie Irving
• Irving is under contract for one more season with Brooklyn but recently asked for a trade
• Read below for odds and analysis on the most likely team to make a move for Irving

Kyrie Irving couldn’t wait to get away from LeBron James following the 2017 season. Now five years later, it appears like the former teammates are soon to be reunited.

That’s because Irving has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, and James wants the Lakers to be all-in on acquiring the controversial superstar.

Los Angeles’ odds to trade for Kyrie have been shortened from +100 to -400 since just last week after LeBron made it clear to the organization he wants to see his old friend in LA.

Kyrie Irving’s Next Team Odds

Odds as of July 4th at DraftKings Sportsbook

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The initial Irving to the Lakers speculation caused oddsmakers to slash LA’s championship price tag, and if further news emerges suggesting a deal is imminent, you can expect the Lakers’ NBA Championship odds to be shortened yet again.

Why the New Steam on LA?

Preliminary talks reportedly took place between the Nets and Lakers on Saturday on a potential Irving trade. The centerpiece heading back to Brooklyn would be Russell Westbrook, who LA is dying to get rid of. A potential Irving for Westbrook swap doesn’t work money-wise as Russ’ $47 million price tag for next year is $10 million more than Kyrie’s.

TheHerd: Kyrie Irving makes the Lakers relevant again. @ColinCowherd explains…

"You've got to make the playoffs and be in the discussion in May and June. I think it's a no doubt about it, slam dunk move. pic.twitter.com/jJpcjsbcwL

— FoxSports920 (@FoxSports920AM) July 4, 2022

The Nets are insistent on not only draft capital in return but also for the Lakers to absorb Joe Harris’ contract. Harris is due $38.6 million over the next two seasons, while LA is reportedly more interested in taking on Seth Curry’s $8.5 million contract.

To add fuel to the fire, Irving just bought a house in Los Angeles and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has all of a sudden started posting cryptic tweets. The posts revolve around not only the loss of Kobe Bryant but her frustration over the team’s lack of success.

I miss KB. He would understand and explain everything that I’m not allowed to. Honestly he was the greatest Laker ever. He understood team over self. Meaning your rewards would come if you valued team goals over your own then everything would fall into place. All can reply.

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 4, 2022

Above all else, however, is LeBron’s now public desire to bring Kyrie to LA. As we’ve seen time and time again during James’ career when the King speaks his wishes are usually met.

Just last year, he convinced the Lakers to acquire Russell Westbrook instead of a much younger, cheaper Buddy Hield. While in Cleveland, he basically operated as the GM, influencing the Cavs’ decision to trade number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love less than a month after the Canadian was drafted.

"The Lakers have yet, I'm told, to be aggressive in trying to put a deal together to get [Kyrie] from Brooklyn. That may come, that may evolve with time. But so far right now, there's no traction really on deals with either Irving or Durant."

🗣️ @wojespnpic.twitter.com/ZtoOaiViPD

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 4, 2022

It’s important to note that no trade between Brooklyn and LA is imminent, although history has proven LeBron tends to get what he wants.

What Other Teams are in Play for Kyrie

Now that LeBron has made his opinion known, it’s unlikely Kyrie ends up anywhere else than LA. They can make the financials work with Brooklyn, and will likely cave and take on whoever else the Nets want.

However, another team to monitor is Dallas. The Mavs just parted ways with point guard Jalen Brunson, and while Spencer Dinwiddie is the next man up, Irving would be a massive upgrade.

Kyrie Irving has 'several suitors,' per @ShamsCharania

The 76ers, Lakers and Mavericks are all said to be interested pic.twitter.com/rjjI7tFTqS

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 3, 2022

Dallas was a top-four team in the West last year and the opportunity to play alongside Luka Doncic must be appealing for virtually every superstar. Since Irving already opted into his 2022-23 salary, the Mavs don’t have to worry about a sign-and-trade for Kyrie, they just have to send back enough salary the other way to make the financials work.

Dallas has reportedly already explored the possibility and the fact that they currently boast the third shortest price to acquire Irving suggests they are serious. Doncic and LeBron play a similar brand of ball and Irving and James won a title with Cleveland back in 2017.