Kevin Durant remarkably decided to commit to the Brooklyn Nets - and his sudden change of heart appears to have derailed the Los Angeles Lakers’ trade plans.
Nets point guard Kyrie Irving was linked with a move to the Lakers, with LeBron James reportedly pulling for the franchise to move for the seven-time All-Star amid the uncertainty surrounding Durant. Los Angeles reportedly wanted to offload Russell Westbrook, offering the former MVP and draft compensation for the services of Irving, according to The Athletic .
At the end of June, Irving opted in to his £31.3 million contract for the 2022-23 so the Lakers were planning to use Westbrook’s contract to match salaries for a potential trade. Westbrook - who joined the Lakers from the Washington Wizards last summer - opted into the final year of his contract, earning £39.7m.
