Lakers Rumors: LA Was Kyrie Irving’s 'Preferred Destination' Before Trade to Dallas

Los Angeles had several different options they could have dealt in the trade package.

After two days of anticipation, Kyrie Irving was officially traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Following the news, NBA insider Marc Stein reported some information that is sure to break many Lakers fan's hearts:

Latest report from @TheSteinLine confirms that one of Joe Tsai’s presumed objectives in a Kyrie trade was to not send him to his preferred landing spot: the Lakers

— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) February 6, 2023

After the All-Star guard originally announced he wanted out of Brooklyn, the Los Angeles Lakers were one of the top teams aiming to acquire him. The Lakers had several different options they could have dealt in their trade package. Los Angeles reportedly even offered two first-round picks.

The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and the Los Angeles Clippers were all teams that were potential landing spots for the 30-year-old.

At the time of the trade rumors, Irving did not disclose any public information about which team held his biggest interest. It was then reported that the Lakers appeared to be the eight-time All-Star’s preferred destination, which only makes this outcome sting even more.

The Clippers were also rumored to have made a strong offer for the 2016 NBA Champion. The Nets reportedly declined an offer of Luke Kennard, Terrance Mann, one future first-round pick, two first-round pick swaps, plus an additional salary.

Ultimately, Joe Tsai and Nets’ general manager Sean Marks finalized the deal with the Mavericks, sending Irving to Dallas for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and future picks. And for Laker fans, they just get to think about what could have been.