NBA Rumors: The Lakers are Reportedly Interested in Brooklyn's Kyrie Irving

Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Brooklyn Nets and mercurial guard Kyrie Irving have reached an impasse in contract negotiations, making it more likely the Nets star decides to become a free agent. And if that happens, Charania says the Lakers, of course, would be among the interested parties. So much to unpack. On Monday's show the idea of Bradley Beal, another potential target for the Lakers should things go wrong with Beal and the Washington Wizards, was tossed around. Players like Beal come with significant injury risk, and would cost a lot of money. But Beal is a rock solid locker room presence. Kyrie? He's like dropping a load of incredibly self-important dynamite into the building. You're just begging for an explosion. On the other hand, Irving is a transcendent offensive talent. That much is undeniable. So under what terms should the Lakers swing a deal (which would, definitionally, rid themselves of the Russell Westbrook contract), if it becomes an option? Would/should they give him a max contract, and hope for the best? Draw the line playing out next season and crossing the next bridge when they get there? Is a one year extension an option? And oh, does anyone know yet if LeBron James, with whom Irving won a chip back in Cleveland, would think another go round is a good idea? Especially after the disastrous Season Of Westbrook? One thing is clear: If the Lakers are going to make a commitment to Irving, they need to secure a commitment from James. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Kyrie Irving may become available, and if he does, the Lakers are reportedly interested. SEGMENT 2: What are the terms under which a deal for Kyrie might make sense? SEGMENT 3: Does LeBron want this kind of teammate this late in his career? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Arcade1up Pre-order now from arcade1up.com - that’s Arcade, the number 1, Up, dot com - for an estimated early September ship date! They are giving away a NBA JAM Shaq edition to a Locked On listener! Enter for a chance to win a game console for your man-cave at arcade1up.com/lockedon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices