Los Angeles Lakers: Big names to avoid during 2019 NBA free agency

Kyrie Irving, PG, Boston Celtics

I know there are plenty of fans out there who love the idea of a LeBron-Kyrie Irving reunion. It’s a beautiful story when taken at face value — one of maturation, redemption and all of the feels. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the right move for the Lakers.

There are a couple of reasons behind that stance.

The first is that, put simply, the Lakers don’t need that type of distraction. The storyline wouldn’t be about Los Angeles landing a top free agent and moving one step closer to contender status. Instead, it would be about how the dynamic between big brother and little brother is going to develop. Can they co-exist again? More drama on the horizon? Blah, blah, blah.

Who needs that? The Lakers don’t.

The second reason is that, as luck would have it, the Lakers already have a pretty good point guard in Lonzo Ball. Sure, he’s hurt a little too often and hasn’t been the superstar many built him up to be, but he’s far from a bust at this point. If management wants to set the tone that they aren’t just tossing prospects aside, they’d be wise to let Lonzo stick around.

Irving is going to cost a pretty penny, and the Lakers have the cap space to sign him. However, their money would be better spent elsewhere, which in turn allows them to avoid another potential media circus if James and Kyrie butt heads.