NBA News Roundup, Tuesday, May 21st: Kevin Durant heading towards Golden State exit, Kyrie Irving 'open to signing with the Lakers', and more

Kyrie Irving will consider the Lakers

Indiana Pacers v Boston Celtics - Game One

Kyrie Irving is expected to leave the Boston Celtics this summer, and the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks have been touted as his most likely destinations. Yet, ESPN's Brian Windhorst is reporting that Irving will also consider the Lakers:

If you had asked me six months ago, I’d had said the door was closed and locked — that was not gonna happen. But over the last few months, there is no doubt there’s been a thawing between Kyrie and LeBron and Kyrie has become to be more open to joining the Lakers and has done some research on the organization.

That said, with Magic [Johnson] leaving — that was a guy he felt a connection to — and with great opportunities in Brooklyn and in New York, plus Boston trying to keep him, I think the Lakers are lower on his list. But they’re on his list, and that gives them a fighting chance. Boston has got to still be worried about the Lakers in the Kyrie pursuit.

During the 18/19 season, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game -- although his relationship with the franchise deteriorated as the season progressed.