Lakers Rumors: Westbrook, Reaves, Picks, More Were Eyed by Nets in Kyrie Irving Trade

Before the Brooklyn Nets reportedly traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers made a run at the point guard—but they faced a steep asking price during trade talks.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Nets made it clear that the only way the Lakers would have been able to land Irving—who was ultimately dealt to the Dallas Mavericks—is if they included "all of their young players such as Austin Reaves and Max Christie and pick swaps in addition to [Russell] Westbrook and the two first-round picks" in a deal.

According to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, the Lakers made an offer that included both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks:

Ian Begley of SNY also reported the Lakers had an offer on the table earlier in the week, with Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick included in the package.

Of note, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday evening that Brooklyn governor Joe Tsai's "presumed objective" was to trade Irving anywhere other than the Lakers.

Brooklyn instead opted to trade Irving and Markieff Morris to the Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks, per Charania.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Nets "preferred" the Mavericks' offer as opposed to the Lakers' potential deal.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic previously reported a framework of a potential deal would feature Westbrook and the Lakers' 2027 and 2029 picks in exchange for Irving and another role player.

The addition of Finney-Smith, rather than a first-round pick that likely would've been protected, might have been the difference in the deal for Brooklyn.

The Lakers were considered a favorite to land Irving once the guard's trade request became public Friday.

LeBron James hinted at the team adding Irving with a cryptic tweet, while he indicated his interest after Saturday's game:

Wojnarowski reported the Lakers "are operating as a motivated suitor for Irving."

If Los Angeles wants Irving now, the team must hope he hits free agency in the summer instead of signing an extension with Dallas.