Lakers Rumors: 'Pessimism' Kyrie Irving Trade Happens by NBA Deadline Due to Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly unlikely to acquire Kyrie Irving before Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported there is "pessimism" Irving winds up in Los Angeles because the organization is hesitant to sign him to a long-term max contract extension.

Irving pushed for a contract extension "in the neighborhood" of the four-year, $198.5 million maximum he can receive before hitting free agency in the summer before requesting a trade from Brooklyn, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The mercurial guard's request sent shockwaves through the NBA, as it seemed the Nets were finally in the midst of a harmonious season after more than a year of behind-the-scenes turmoil.

Irving has been at the center of nearly all of the said turmoil, missing 53 games last season amid his refusal to undergo COVID-19 vaccination and sitting out eight games this season after posting a link to a film that includes quotes by Adolph Hitler and refusing to publicly say he's not antisemitic. (Irving later apologized for the latter incident.)

A trade request is relatively minor on the scale of Irving controversies, but it nonetheless stands to derail Brooklyn's season.

The Lakers have been mentioned as a potential suitor dating back to last summer when it appeared likely the Nets would trade Irving amid Kevin Durant's trade request. Durant later rescinded his request. Irving and Durant are longtime friends, but KD has not made any statements on his pal's latest issue.

The Lakers are armed with Russell Westbrook's $47.1 million expiring contract and first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. It seems unlikely that would be enough to get the job done, but it's possible Irving's antics have depressed his value enough the Lakers could swoop through at the last minute.