Lakers reporter Jovan Buha said on his podcast that Los Angeles had a chance to land Kyrie Irving but refused to include Austin Reaves in the deal.
Buha said the Lakers similarly passed on Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young rather than give up Reaves. He added the Lakers' bar for trading Reaves remains high even after his new four-year, $180 million deal.
Kyrie Irving made his first appearance in 19 months Sunday, scoring 17 points in 22 minutes as Dallas beat Houston 132-115 in a preseason game in China. He shot 6-for-13, grabbed two rebounds and added three assists while on an unspecified minutes limit.
Kyrie Irving will play Sunday in China, his first game since tearing his left ACL in March 2025, according to Grant Afseth of Dallas Sports Journal. Irving said a Grade 2 calf strain suffered in December further delayed his comeback, though he has practiced without issue since training camp opened.
ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reports multiple Pistons staffers are fond of Kyrie Irving's shot creation and malleability alongside star teammates. Irving is entering a possible contract year in Dallas after missing all of last season with a torn ACL.
