Lakers: Reports Show How Unserious Nets Were in Negotiating Kyrie Irving Trade With LA

They clearly didn't want to make him happy.

The NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone, and the Los Angeles Lakers made some really good moves. They have a strong roster in place to make a run into the playoffs, and could make some noise in the Western Conference.

However, the deadline didn't start all positive, as the Lakers were one of the teams in on trading for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving. It was reported that Irving wanted to go to LA, and they were really trying to get a deal done. However, Nets owner Joe Tsai reportedly didn't want to trade Kyrie to Los Angeles, as that was his preferred destination.

Chris Haynes reported the Lakers offered both first-round picks for Kyrie Irving.

Marc Stein reported Nets owner Joe Tsai didn’t want to trade him to his preferred destination, the Lakers.

Rob Pelinka has made a lot of questionable decisions, but he‘s not at fault for this one.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) February 6, 2023

That's incredibly unprofessional by Tsai, especially considering how he handled Kevin Durant's trade request. KD wanted to go to the Phoenix Suns, and Tsai exclusively spoke to them to get a deal done. However, with Kyrie it was quite the opposite.

And you may be wondering what exactly Tsai did, because it could have just been "reports" that he didn't want to send Irving to LA. However, NBA insider Marc Stein demonstrated how unserious he was in trying to consummate a deal with the Lakers.

The Brooklyn Nets also would’ve wanted Rui Hachimura in a potential Kyrie Irving deal, per @TheSteinLine

Due to trade rules, Lakers were unable to add Hachimura in a trade package

(Via https://t.co/O1xoXoUljm) pic.twitter.com/FtW0QidNV5

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2023

The Nets were reportedly asking for Rui Hachimura in the deal which, under NBA rules, would not have even been allowed. If that doesn't show a lack of seriousness, then I don't know what does.

At the end of the day, it worked out for LA. They had a really productive deadline, and have the depth to make a run in the playoffs. And, Irving is still a free agent at the end of this season, and many believe he'll wind up in LA, anyway. And maybe, just maybe, Tsai's handling of Irving's situtation will keep big names out of Brooklyn for the foreseeable future.