Most of the recent rumors surrounding Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving have him either joining the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets as a free agent this summer. However, the latest update from ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggests that he could also opt to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers and join forces with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James for the first time in two years. As quoted by the New York Post, Windhorst explained on Saturday's episode of his Hoop Collective podcast that for many months, he had believed the prospect of Irving joining the Lakers was "impossible." The ESPN writer then added that the passing of time, as well as the recent rumors surrounding Los Angeles' search for a new head coach, had changed his outlook on the matter. "That door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open," Windhorst said. "It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it's on Kyrie's radar, it's on Kyrie's board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers." While Windhorst mentioned Jason Kidd as the potential candidate the Lakers were looking to hire as their coach, USA Today reported later on Saturday that Frank Vogel has just come to terms on a deal to coach the team, with Kidd joining his staff as an assistant. According to the New York Post, Irving grew up as a fan of the then-New Jersey Nets, around the same time when Kidd was playing for the team as one of the best point guards in the NBA. Ahead of free agency, Kyrie Irving "has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers," per @WindhorstESPN. "That door, which was deadbolted, has now been un-deadbolted and is now cracked open. It might even be opening more by the day." pic.twitter.com/NMGhXhnsgr — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 11, 2019 At the moment, the Knicks and Nets remain the betting favorites in the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes, with major oddsmakers generally ranking the Celtics at third place behind the two New York-based teams, per MassLive . The Lakers, meanwhile, haven't been as prominent as the Knicks or the Nets as one of Irving's suitors in free agency, despite the point guard's recent reconciliation with James after a period of estrangement between the two superstars. As pointed out by Yahoo Sports, Irving has the potential to make an immediate impact in Los Angeles as the second superstar the Lakers have long been searching for, while also addressing the team's weaknesses beyond the arc. The Lakers finished second-to-last in three-point shooting in the 2018-19 regular season, while Irving has consistently shot better than 40 percent from three-point range since the 2016-17 campaign. Should Irving wear the purple and gold next season, that could also allow the Lakers to trade erstwhile starter Lonzo Ball for a "proven contributor." But since Ball stands 6-feet-6-inches and has a height advantage at his position, Yahoo Sports speculated that Los Angeles could keep him around and have him start alongside the former No. 1 overall draft pick.<doc-sep>Could Kyrie Irving be ready to reunite with LeBron James? That seems like a possibility. Both Irving’s Boston Celtics and James’ Los Angeles Lakers have seen their seasons end well before they would have liked. The Lakers didn’t even make the playoffs, while the Celtics underachieved in the regular season and lost in five to the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference semifinals. The disappointing finishes for both squads may convince them that the best place for each of them is teaming up. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst talked on his “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast Friday and said that Irving has interest in playing for the Lakers (14:00 minute mark). “As time passes here, I would’ve said that this is impossible for many months. But as time passes here and as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting — that door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open … It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it’s on Kyrie’s radar, it’s on Kyrie’s board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers,” Windhorst said. Just like Windhorst said, the thought of Kyrie wanting to play with LeBron again seemed far-fetched considering he demanded a trade out of Cleveland to get away from James’ shadow. But a year trying to lead on his own in Boston, seeing how hard it is and taking all the heat as the lead dog may have changed Irving’s mind; it’s a lot harder than it seems. Irving even seemed to recognize that earlier this year and called LeBron to apologize for not understanding how tough it was to lead. Irving can decline his player option for next season and become a free agent this summer, which he is widely expected to do. James is under contract for three more seasons with the Lakers, including his $41 million player option for 2021-2022. The Lakers becoming a reincarnation of the Cavaliers would be complete if they didn’t botch the hire of Ty Lue.<doc-sep>Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving’s future continues to be shrouded in questions, but the latest rumor -- courtesy of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst -- won’t improve Irving’s standing among Celtics fans after the team’s recent playoff failures. From Windhorst, speaking on the Hoop Collective podcast: "As time passes here and as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting -- that door, which was deadbolted, has been undeadbolted and has now been cracked open … It might even be opening more by the day, and I say that just because I think it’s on Kyrie’s radar. It’s on Kyrie’s board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers.” A few things: - The Celtics are almost certainly going to continue to pitch Irving on a return to Boston, no matter how the fan and media narratives have turned against him. They recognize that the clearest path to title contention -- by a massive margin -- involves keeping Irving and trading for Anthony Davis. Any other route is shrouded in difficult-to-answer questions about the uncertain development of young players. - Only a few NBA destinations even make sense for Irving as landing spots, and the Lakers are a fringe example of one -- they have cap space, nominal trade assets and LeBron James. The fact that he has considered the Lakers shouldn’t come as much of a surprise -- after a disappointing season, Irving has/will weigh every option. If winning a championship is his primary goal, however, the Celtics remain the most logical destination, despite their failure of a 2018-19 campaign. - Earlier in the podcast, Jackie MacMullan -- who is as connected to Irving as anyone -- said she believes Irving still hasn’t made up his mind, and his preference could change by the day. Windhorst agreed. - The Celtics had a tumultuous year. The Lakers had a year so tumultuous, fans protested the team’s management outside the Staples Center on Friday. - Celtics fans are mad at Irving after he submitted a brutal four-game stretch against the Bucks, but if he re-signs (and if the result is the acquisition of Anthony Davis), that anger will likely dissipate. If he not only leaves after committing to the team preseason, but he also joins the Lakers, he will be one of Boston’s all-time athlete villains. This offseason is going to be a juicy one.<doc-sep>Jae C. Hong/Associated Press After finding out it's not so easy to win a championship on his own, Kyrie Irving may look to partner up with LeBron James once again. On the Hoop Collective podcast (h/t HoopsHype's Bryan Kalbrosky), ESPN's Brian Windhorst stated the "possibility" of Irving and James playing for the Los Angeles Lakers has been talked about. "And I say that just because I think it's on Kyrie's radar, it's on Kyrie's board," Windhorst said. "He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers.” This would represent a dramatic turn of events for Irving. Two years ago when he wanted to be traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Windhorst reported it was motivated in part by his desire to be the star on his own team. Irving's two seasons with the Boston Celtics were a mixed bag. They appeared to be a title contender last season, but the six-time All-Star missed the postseason after undergoing two procedures on his knee. The 2018-19 campaign was notable as much for Irving's off-court drama as it was for anything he did on the court. Boston was eliminated from the postseason by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. Irving averaged 20.4 points per game on 35.2 percent shooting in the series. If Irving opts out of his deal with the Celtics, the Lakers have come up as a potential landing spot. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said on his radio show last month that Irving will take an interview with Los Angeles' front office this offseason. Video Play Button Videos you might like The Lakers are looking for another star player to pair with James after a disappointing 37-45 record last season. Irving has a built-in rapport with the four-time NBA MVP that wouldn't require any adjustment period for either player if they decide to get the band back together.<doc-sep>
One of the biggest storylines of the upcoming offseason will be where Kyrie Irving ends up signing. Despite announcing prior to the 2018-19 season that he planned to re-sign with the Boston Celtics, Irving has changed his tune and admitted that anything is on the table in terms of his free agency. ESPN's Brian Windhorst recently revealed on his podcast that Irving has "had discussions" about potentially playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. "As time passes here, I would've said that this is impossible for many months," Windhorst said. "But as time passes here and as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting — that door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open … It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it's on Kyrie's radar, it's on Kyrie's board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers." Joining the Lakers certainly would be a full-circle move for Irving. After spending the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving expressed a desire to be traded, so that he could be "the guy" on a team. Irving was playing alongside LeBron James and the duo did help lead the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016. Now James resides in Los Angeles after signing with the Lakers last summer. Despite many believing that there was bad blood between Irving and James, the two buried the hatchet earlier this season, so a reunion may not be out of the question. Boston certainly didn't do Irving any favors by bowing out to the Milwaukee Bucks in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Irving was extremely productive as the team's primary option the last two seasons as he put together averages of 24.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. However, he did struggle during their series against the Bucks. The Lakers certainly will be looking to improve their roster after missing the playoffs this past season despite adding several veteran players to the fold. Irving would certainly be quite the upgrade, but it appears to be just speculation at this point.