The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the class of the Eastern Conference for the past three seasons, but their run of dominance soon could be coming to a close.
Kyrie Irving stunned the basketball world Friday when it was revealed the star point guard met with the Cavaliers front office and asked for a trade. Irving reportedly wants to be the “focal point” of a team, and no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James.
James reportedly was “blindsided” by Irving’s request, but the three-time NBA champion could be fleeing “The Land” in short time, as well. The star forward can become a free agent next summer, and could be looking to join a team with stronger championship aspirations.
One team that has emerged as a possible free-agent destination for James in 2018 is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Purple and Gold have a slew of young talent, including rookie Lonzo Ball, and certainly will be in the mix to bring in Paul George in free agency at next season’s end.
A lot can change in a year, but Ball’s little brother, LaMelo, already is envisioning James taking his talents to L.A.
The Lakers haven’t qualified for the playoffs since the 2012-13 season, and probably won’t be postseason bound in the upcoming campaign. But if James makes his way to Los Angeles in 2018, it’s a near certainty that playoff basketball will be played at the Staples Center.
Thumbnail photo via Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports Images
