Before the season, many prognosticators pegged the Cleveland Cavaliers to be one of the surprise teams in the league. No one expected them to be serious contenders, but they were expected to be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference behind All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.
Unfortunately, things did not go so well for the Cavs as they struggled to get out of the blocks this season. With frustration setting in, and chemistry low, the team decided to get rid of disgruntled center Andrew Bynum for former All-Star Luol Deng.
Things have yet to improve for the Cavs, and now there may be some panic setting in as ESPN’s Chad Ford reports that Irving is so frustrated with the state of the team that he wants out:
Something has to happen quickly. Kyrie Irving has been telling people privately he wants out.
If the Cavs do start shopping Irving, there will be a line of teams looking to add the All-Star. Irving is one of the best young point guards in the game, and one of the league’s brightest new stars.
The Lakers will undoubtedly be linked to Irving as they have long been considered a possible destination for him. His contract runs out at the end of next season and with the Cavs looking to avoid another LeBron James situation, they will either do everything they can to appease him or trade him for assets.
At this time the Lakers don’t have a number of trade assets to offer, but that could change going into next season when things are sure to heat up, especially if Irving continues to grumble in private. With Kevin Love a real possibility, and other young point guards being inquired about, the Lakers could be making a move soon.