Report: Kyrie Irving is 'focused on forcing himself to the Lakers'

Kevin Durant reportedly isn't the only one hunting for a way to part with the Brooklyn Nets. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Nets point guard Kyrie Irving wants to get "out of town as fast as he possibly can" and he already knows where he'd like to play next.

"He is focused on forcing himself to the LA Lakers," Windhorst said on ESPN's NBA Today. "Talking to league executives over the last couple hours, the value of Kyrie Irving in a trade has absolutely plummeted. They know that he's going to be a pure rental, if he doesn't want to go to a situation he's going to, it's unclear what he will do. As Stephen A. [Smith] has said multiple times, he hasn't even been motivated to play in places he's wanted to be."

Irving, 30, missed significant time during the 2021-22 season due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In 29 games played during the regular season, Irving averaged a career-high 27.4 points per game with 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. 

Earlier this week, Irving exercised the $36.5 million option on his contract shortly after he was reportedly granted permission to hunt for a sign-and-trade deal. The Lakers reportedly had interest in acquiring Irving prior to the point guard opting into his contract.

Irving spent the beginning of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was joined by LeBron James in 2014. The duo led the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016.