How can LA Lakers acquire Kyrie Irving via a trade? 

Kyrie Irving wants to leave the Brooklyn Nets once again. The star point guard isn't too happy with the current situation and will likely be moved until the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9.

Many teams could use Irving's services, but the LA Lakers would drastically benefit from his presence. While the 8-time All-Star is very controversial, there is no doubt that he brings a lot to the table and could make the Lakers much better.

Trading Irving to the Lakers may not be the perfect long-term solution, but he could help the team make a playoff push in the 2022-23 season. Let's see how the Lakers can acquire Irving via a trade.

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Kyrie Irving to the LA Lakers is a possibility

The Lakers can certainly acquire the 6-foot-2 guard in the next few days. However, the only question is whether or not Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka are willing to include draft picks in the trade package for Irving.

When it comes to salaries, the Nets and the Lakers could easily make a trade work by swapping Irving and Russell Westbrook. Considering Westbrook is the second highest-paid NBA player this season with a $47.1 contract, the Lakers have almost no choice but to include him.

Getting Irving through a trade would most likely involve Westbrook (Image via Getty Images)

Irving, on the other hand, is paid slightly under $37 million. It's also important to note that the Nets are over the luxury tax, meaning they can afford to receive 125% of Irving's salary (around $46.2 million) plus $100,000.

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Due to this CBA rule, the Nets will have to include another player in the trade package to match salaries. Kessler Edwards, a second-year forward who has a $1.6 million contract, would be perfect for this.

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What about draft picks?

The Brooklyn Nets will most likely ask for draft picks in return for Kyrie Irving. While the Russell Westbrook trade package would work financially, the Nets may not be willing to part ways with one of their best players without getting something more in return.

The LA Lakers haven't been willing to involve their first-round draft picks in any trades. However, if they decide to pursue Irving, they may have to give up either a 2027 or a 2029 pick.

Irving would drastically improve the Lakers (Image via Getty Images)

The Lakers have 28 games left to play in the 2022-23 season and will have to trade for Irving as soon as possible. The LeBron-Irving reunion should positively affect the Lakers' record and help them qualify for the playoffs.

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Irving is averaging 27.1 points per game on 48.6% shooting. He's definitely a fantastic player, but it's also important to note that he's on an expiring contract.