Magic Johnson urges Lakers to trade for Kyrie Irving

Johnson made his comment after Irving requested a trade from Brooklyn after contract negotiations stalled. Irving is set to become a free agent after this season.

The basketball world has waited all season for Los Angeles to make a deal, even as its trade assets are scant. Included in the 2019 trade with New Orleans to acquire Anthony Davis was the option for the Pelicans to defer a 2024 first-round pick to 2025. Because of that, the earliest first-round pick available for the Lakers to use in a trade is its selection in 2027.

Russell Westbrook could be on the move in a trade scenario, but dealing him and a first-round pick four years into the future isn't enough to get a player as talented, and frustrating, as Irving.

It would likely take a third team to facilitate Irving moving to Los Angeles. Earlier Friday, it was reported the Jazz and Lakers held preliminary discussions on a trade involving Westbrook. Perhaps whatever Utah offered to send to Los Angeles could be re-routed to Brooklyn instead.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are among the teams interested in Irving. The Suns and Mavericks were also mentioned as teams likely to pursue the mercurial star.

Per Oddschecker, the Lakers are the favorite to land Irving.

A reunion with LeBron James makes the most sense. As far away from championship contention as the Lakers appear, a trio of James, Irving and Anthony Davis — should all be available to play — could be devastating. 

They'd have a massive load to carry, but it would at least breathe fresh life into a season that's been defined by James' chase of the all-time scoring record and almost nothing else.

Los Angeles (25-28, 12th in Western Conference) has won six of its past 10 and is a game back of the final spot in the play-in tournament.

For 28 NBA franchises, trading for Irving might be too big a risk for an uncertain reward. James, despite what he'd have us believe with his play, isn't getting any younger. The Lakers might be the only organization that can't afford to play it safe.