Lakers

NEW YORK — (AP) — The NBA has further adjusted the schedule of nationally televised games with LeBron James closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the ...

The Lakers-Pelicans game was moved to ESPN2, preceding a national broadcast between Dallas and Golden State at 8:30 p.m. James is on pace to break the record Tuesday at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder. That game was moved up two hours to a 6 p.m.

LeBron James continued to close in on the NBA's all-time scoring record as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out a thrilling 112-111 victory over Indiana on ...

In New York, RJ Barrett scored 30 points to lead the Knicks in a 106-104 victory over the Miami Heat. The Bucks pushed their winning streak to six games with their comeback over the Clippers. You've got to protect yourself at the end of the day." James's three-pointer gave the Lakers their first lead of the contest with 2:35 to play. The Lakers close out their road trip Saturday at New Orleans then host Oklahoma City on Tuesday and the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday. "It's one of those records you don't ever think will be broken."

The duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis willed the Lakers back from a late deficit, while Nikola Jokic had a 16-assist triple-double.

LeBron James could break the NBA's scoring record at Tuesday's Lakers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but tickets to the historic game will cost ...

The Lakers play the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans Saturday. Is a quarter million dollars worth the price of admission to witness King James, maybe, possibly, make history? "All Sales Final — No refunds or Exchanges," the website says at checkout. Then there’s the added $46,000 service fee and $2.95 for order processing. Once you've purchased the tickets, there’s no going back. There are still plenty of tickets available in the low hundreds as of this writing.

LeBron James continued to close in on the NBA's all-time scoring record as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out a thrilling 112-111 victory over Indiana on ...

“It’s one of those records you don’t ever think will be broken.” “I just tried to stay on his body and make him shoot over the top,” Davis said. The Lakers close out their road trip Saturday at New Orleans then host Oklahoma City on Tuesday and the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday. The Lakers had trailed all night when James’s three-pointer gave them their first lead of the contest with 2:35 to play. “It’s pretty cool,” he added of a record he likened in importance to the career home run record in baseball. “I think it’s one of the greatest records in sports in general,” James said.

LeBron James pulled within 63 points of the NBA's career scoring mark in the Lakers' 112-111 win over the Pacers, but the team insisted achievements and ...

"I think it's one of the greatest records in sports in general," James said. "I think it's up there with the homerun record in baseball. However, they do generate passion and interest in the sport. "I think it's an amazing feat," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said of the scoring record. He scored nine points down the stretch, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:35 remaining to give the Lakers their first lead of the game, and added two go-ahead free throws with 1:09 left. trailed 98-90 when he subbed in with 9:22 remaining in the final frame.

James scored 26 points to move within 63 points of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

The Pacers were 1-9 in those games but came close to a win Thursday with Haliburton putting up 26 points and 12 assists after being selected an All-Star reserve for the Eastern Conference. The Lakers have five more games before then, each one increasingly more important as they move toward the end of the regular season. A finally healthy Davis showed his immense value at both ends of the court in the final minute. “We’re a team that’s fighting. James scored 26 points and moved within 63 points of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for first on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. They got just about everything in a whisper-close 112-111 road victory Thursday against the Indiana Pacers.

Davis came through in the clutch for Los Angeles, scoring what proved to be the game-winning shot with 35.3 seconds remaining on a fadeaway for two of his ...

Westbrook added 10 points off the bench to finish with a double-double, and Thomas Bryant scored 11 points coming on in reserve. Hield scored 14 points in the loss. The Lakers held Indiana to just 15 fourth-quarter points to rally from a 12-point deficit through three periods.

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Indiana Pacers looking to build on their overtime win on Tuesday over the New York Knicks.

LeBron James is now just 63 points away from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA scoring record after putting up 26 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 112-111 ...

For me, as a sportsperson, it was fun just watching those guys go up to bat and chase it.” you had Hank Aaron that had it for so long, you see the guys, the likes of Sammy [Sosa] and Mark McGwire and those guys, start climbing it and it was like: ‘Oh, man. “It’s one of those records that you just don’t ever see or think that would be broken and then you end up seeing guys like … “I just understood my game was needed more on the interior tonight,” James told reporters. “I think it’s one of the greatest records in sports in general,” James said, “Needed to get some rebounds, need to get some baskets in there and and I felt like we were attacking, especially in the fourth quarter.”

James was 89 points adrift of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record as the all-time scoring leader prior to facing the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. The 38-year-old ...

James will look to make further inroads on the scoring record when his 25-28 Lakers face the Pelicans on Saturday night. It means the clash with the Thunder is largely expected to be the much-anticipated day James breaks the all-time scoring record. The Lakers face the Thunder next Tuesday, and tickets are reaching ludicrous figures with courtside seats selling for up to $92,000 (£75,000) as fans want to see the moment in history.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have had exploratory conversations centered around star guard Russell Westbrook, league sources tell Bleacher Report.

We got to get ourselves back to where we belong and that's in the postseason." "Good, he gets to get some rest then, and get ready for this home push," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said about Davis not being selected for the All-Star game. The belief within the Lakers' organization is that they need to make at least one more move by the Feb. 9 trade deadline to give themselves a legitimate shot at competing for a championship, sources say. Detroit Pistons sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanović remains a principal target, but there is league-wide skepticism on whether the Pistons are really willing to unload the nine-year veteran. The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have had exploratory conversations centered around star guard Russell Westbrook, league sources tell Bleacher Report.

The Lakers and Jazz have had some exploratory discussions about a trade involving veteran point guard Russell Westbrook.

According to Haynes, the Lakers are in communication with many teams around the NBA as they consider the most favorable trade scenarios available to them. The two teams [Mike Conley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr), [Malik Beasley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/beaslma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) and [Jordan Clarkson](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr). 9 trade deadline to give itself a real shot at contention, Haynes says. [John Hollinger of The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/4152593/2023/02/03/lakers-lebron-trade-deadline-hollinger/), one popular trade idea that has made the rounds as of late is Westbrook and the Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to the Raptors for a package headlined by [Fred VanVleet](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) and [Gary Trent Jr.](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/trentga02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) However, Hollinger stresses that the Raptors/Westbrook proposal has been “fairly heavily trafficked in theory despite little evidence that it’s been discussed in reality.” [reportedly engaged](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/10/lakers-notes-westbrook-possible-trade-partners-shooting.html) in discussions last offseason, with Los Angeles exploring a deal that would’ve sent Westbrook and draft assets to Utah in exchange for [Bojan Bogdanovic](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bogdabo02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) and others. [Follow Yardbarker on MSN to get our exclusive content in your Microsoft News feed](https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us) [Patrick Beverley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/beverpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) remains a trade candidate as well. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. [Rui Hachimura](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hachiru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) has given the Lakers a “renewed sense of confidence,” but there’s a belief within the organization that the club needs to make at least one more roster move before the Feb. [Russell Westbrook](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr), league sources tell [Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10064005-nba-insider-buzz-lakers-know-they-need-another-trade-jazz-enter-westbrook-chat). Although Westbrook has adjusted nicely to a sixth man role this season and hasn’t been cited in trade rumors nearly as often as he was during the offseason, he has “remained available” for trade, according to Haynes.

The Lakers continue to scour the trade market for roster upgrades after acquiring Rui Hachimura.

According to Haynes, the Lakers are in communication with many teams around the NBA as they consider the most favorable trade scenarios available to them. [Mike Conley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr), [Malik Beasley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/beaslma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr), and [Jordan Clarkson](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/clarkjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr). The two teams [reportedly engaged](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/10/lakers-notes-westbrook-possible-trade-partners-shooting.html) in discussions last offseason, with Los Angeles exploring a deal that would’ve sent Westbrook and draft assets to Utah in exchange for [Bojan Bogdanovic](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bogdabo02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) and others. [John Hollinger of The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/4152593/2023/02/03/lakers-lebron-trade-deadline-hollinger/), one popular trade idea that has made the rounds as of late is Westbrook and the Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to the Raptors for a package headlined by [Fred VanVleet](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) and [Gary Trent Jr.](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/trentga02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) However, Hollinger stresses that the Raptors/Westbrook proposal has been “fairly heavily trafficked in theory despite little evidence that it’s been discussed in reality.” [Retweet](http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopsrumors.com%2F2023%2F02%2Flakers-jazz-have-had-exploratory-talks-about-westbrook.html&text=Lakers%2C+Jazz+Have+Had+Exploratory+Talks+About...)4 [Share](#)0 [Send via email](#)0 [Patrick Beverley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/beverpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) remains a trade candidate as well. [Russell Westbrook](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr), league sources tell [Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10064005-nba-insider-buzz-lakers-know-they-need-another-trade-jazz-enter-westbrook-chat). [Rui Hachimura](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hachiru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr) has given the Lakers a “renewed sense of confidence,” but there’s a belief within the organization that the club needs to make at least one more roster move before the February 9 trade deadline to give itself a real shot at contention, Haynes says.

As the Lakers continue to make strides with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis back to full health, the team continues to sift through options to improve the ...

Amid Russell Westbrook's 6MOY campaign, the Lakers are continuing to search for a potential trade target with a potential deal with the Jazz.

The team still has a lot of holes to fill, some of which Westbrook is unable to do. The new bench captain role has led fans to wonder if the Lakers would still trade Russell Westbrook at the deadline. Russell Westbrook’s name came up in trade talks even before the Lakers’ season started.

The Los Angeles Lakers have already made one move ahead of the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, when they sent three second-round picks and Kendrick Nunn to the ...

[reports](https://theathletic.com/4152593/2023/02/03/lakers-lebron-trade-deadline-hollinger/) that a deal to send Westbrook and both of L.A.'s first-round picks to the [Raptors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/TOR/toronto-raptors/) in exchange for [Gary Trent Jr](/nba/players/2892264/gary-trent-jr/). and [Fred VanVleet](/nba/players/2252663/fred-vanvleet/) might be something the Lakers look at. 9 [NBA](/nba/) trade deadline, when they sent three second-round picks and [Kendrick Nunn](/nba/players/2104256/kendrick-nunn/) to the [Washington Wizards](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/WAS/washington-wizards/) in exchange for [Rui Hachimura](/nba/players/2268082/rui-hachimura/). The Pistons could also ultimately decide to keep Bogdanovic through the season and resurvey the land during the offseason to try and bargain for a better deal. [Lauri Markkanen's](/nba/players/2844693/lauri-markkanen/) standout play. With a whole treasure trove of assets in the form of both players and future picks, they have the power to sway the rest of the season based on their moves. [per The Athletic](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1621608256014540800). While he hasn't indicated his preferred destinations, he still has interest in heading to Los Angeles to play with LeBron James and [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/), [according to Adrian Wojnarowski](https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1621602797824139265). looking to add more shooting depth to their roster, perhaps sending [Malik Beasley](/nba/players/2202574/malik-beasley/) to L.A. Utah has seemingly been attached to every player on the trade market this season. [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/LAL/los-angeles-lakers/) have already made one move ahead of the Feb. [Kyrie Irving](/nba/players/1779901/kyrie-irving/) saga started a new chapter on Friday when [the Nets guard submitted a trade request](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-requests-trade-nets-star-asks-out-of-brooklyn-days-before-2023-nba-trade-deadline/) ahead of next week's deadline.

LeBron James is edging ever closer to surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA points record after scoring 26 against the Indiana Pacers.

According to Bleacher Report scooper Chris Haynes, Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have gone through some exploratory conversations over a potential trade ...

With only LeBron gong to the All-Star game, everybody will be rested after that weekend. For coach Darvin Ham, having all his players healthy for the most important part of the season is paramount in order to reach all the objectives this season. In fact, he has been in the conversation to even win the Sixth Man of the Year award for some time now. Even if Russell Westbrok doesn't end up leaving, the Lakers' leadership remains confident they will be able to find at least one player they can bring to the organization before February 9. Ever since he arrived at the LA team, the legendary point-guard has been under criticism for not living up to the expectations generated around him. [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/los-angeles-lakers.html?intcmp=MENUPROD&s_kw=en-nba-los-angeles-lakers) and Utah Jazz have gone through some exploratory conversations over a potential trade for Russell Westbrook.

This has the feel of a "let's leak this so our fan base thinks we're trying" report.

The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers discussed a potential Russell Westbrook trade described as "exploratory conversations" by Chris Haynes.

This isn’t the first time that the Jazz have been reported trade discussions with the Lakers on Westbrook. “The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have had exploratory conversations centered around star guard Russell Westbrook, league sources tell Bleacher Report,” Haynes wrote. In 2017, Westbrook won the league’s MVP award. This season, Westbrook is averaging 15.7 points per game. The NBA insider reported the trade talks between the Jazz and Lakers on Friday, February 3. [Utah Jazz](https://kslsports.com/category/jazz/) and [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.nba.com/lakers) discussed a potential [Russell Westbrook](https://www.nba.com/lakers/team/player-pages/russell-westbrook-201566/) trade described as [“exploratory conversations” by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10064005-nba-insider-buzz-lakers-know-they-need-another-trade-jazz-enter-westbrook-chat)

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving shocked the NBA world on Friday when he requested a trade from his squad ahead of the NBA's February 9 trade deadline.

to get Irving on their squad. These are the three simplest moves for L.A. If the Nets wanted to unload the final one-and-a-half years of Harris' contract, this would be the best way to do it. One of the teams that was very interested in trading for the superstar point guard was the Los Angeles Lakers, and with six days to go until the deadline, they're likely to be at the forefront of teams trying to make a move happen. Nets Receive: Russell Westbrook, Lonnie Walker IV, Patrick Beverley, 2023 second-round pick (via LA), 2025 second-round pick (via LA), 2027 first-round pick (unprotected), 2029 first-round pick (unprotected) 9 trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Lakers have already made one move ahead of the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, when they sent three second-round picks and Kendrick Nunn to the ...

[reports](https://theathletic.com/4152593/2023/02/03/lakers-lebron-trade-deadline-hollinger/) that a deal to send Westbrook and both of L.A.'s first-round picks to the [Raptors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/TOR/toronto-raptors/) in exchange for [Gary Trent Jr](/nba/players/2892264/gary-trent-jr/). and [Fred VanVleet](/nba/players/2252663/fred-vanvleet/) might be something the Lakers look at. 9 [NBA](/nba/) trade deadline, when they sent three second-round picks and [Kendrick Nunn](/nba/players/2104256/kendrick-nunn/) to the [Washington Wizards](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/WAS/washington-wizards/) in exchange for [Rui Hachimura](/nba/players/2268082/rui-hachimura/). The Pistons could also ultimately decide to keep Bogdanovic through the season and resurvey the land during the offseason to try and bargain for a better deal. [Lauri Markkanen's](/nba/players/2844693/lauri-markkanen/) standout play. With a whole treasure trove of assets in the form of both players and future picks, they have the power to sway the rest of the season based on their moves. [per The Athletic](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1621608256014540800). While he hasn't indicated his preferred destinations, he still has interest in heading to Los Angeles to play with LeBron James and [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/), [according to Adrian Wojnarowski](https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1621602797824139265). looking to add more shooting depth to their roster, perhaps sending [Malik Beasley](/nba/players/2202574/malik-beasley/) to L.A. Utah has seemingly been attached to every player on the trade market this season. [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/LAL/los-angeles-lakers/) have already made one move ahead of the Feb. [Kyrie Irving](/nba/players/1779901/kyrie-irving/) saga started a new chapter on Friday when [the Nets guard submitted a trade request](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-requests-trade-nets-star-asks-out-of-brooklyn-days-before-2023-nba-trade-deadline/) ahead of next week's deadline.

'Full circle' LeBron moment set to fuel 'serious' Kyrie-Lakers talks... but troubled past could spoil it all.

James, I’m told, wants to see Irving in Lakerland more than anyone.” “When you look at Russell Westbrook, you look at their two first-round picks, is that enough for Kyrie Irving? Do the Lakers make that offer? ‘SERIOUS’ LAKERS TALKS NOW LOOM](https://www.foxsports.com.au/basketball/nba/nba-2023-trade-news-kyrie-irving-requests-move-from-brooklyn-nets-next-franchise-contract/news-story/ba3da785182a60ad5b2df9a2d3332a5c) It is not the first time LeBron James and the Lakers have been linked to Irving, with the Lakers superstar reportedly pushing for the pair to link up in July last year. Meanwhile, a struggling team who may have the right package to trade for Irving is unlikely to be the best fit for the Nets superstar either given the risk involved.

Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, who can't survive a month without annihilating his team's chemistry one way or another, is demanding to be traded by ...

The Lakers hall-of-famer would like the point guard in Los Angeles.

With less than a week remaining before this season's trade deadline, The Athletic's Shams Charania broke the news that Kyrie Irving has requested a trade ...

Jimmy Butler has [said in the past](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9BKZHKV7qI) that he wants to play with Irving and that he's his favorite player. [reportedly](https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/888495312377073664) one of the teams Irving listed as his preferred destinations in 2017. If, of course, the plan would be to pair Irving with Brunson and Julius Randle. He'll be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. [Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes](https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-lakers-nets-discussing-kyrie-irving-russell-westbrook-trade-233348495.html) reported in the 2022 offseason that the Lakers and Nets were at one point "actively engaged in discussions" on a trade package involving Westbrook and Irving. Irving is in the midst of another strong season. Charania adds that the Nets have been informed Irving prefers to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. Doncic and Irving would form a similar one-two punch as Irving did with LeBron James when they were teammates in Cleveland. Irving would be a pretty seamless fit in Los Angeles and he has history with LeBron James. It's hard not to like a five-man lineup that features Irving, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton. Similar to Mitchell, Irving has some ties to New York, having grown up in West Orange, New Jersey. He was named an All-Star for the eighth time in his career last week.

With six days until the NBA trade deadline, the league's most discussed potential mover may have traction on a suitor. Here are today's NBA trade rumors.

And Stein and Haynes agreed that the Pelicans and Grizzlies, two of the West’s best young teams, want to prevent the other from acquiring Anunoby. [Caesars Ohio Sportsbook](https://www.cleveland.com/betting/ohio/caesars/) is open for bets now that Ohio sports betting has launched. LA can trade its 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, but has been hesitant to mortgage the future that far in advance to prop up a team fighting to stay near .500. “That’s where there’s some boxing out going on,” Haynes said. Maybe it’s done the same to the front office. The Lakers traded for Westbrook during the summer of 2021 in an experiment that has borne little fruit. That is a fact.” Lauri Markkanen was named an All-Star reserve Thursday night, but the Jazz have fallen to eighth in the Western Conference standings since their strong start, which may cause them to consider some veteran pieces. “... Other sportsbooks in the state include [DraftKings Sportsbook](https://www.cleveland.com/betting/ohio/draftkings/), [FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook](https://www.cleveland.com/betting/ohio/fanduel/) and [Barstool Ohio](https://www.cleveland.com/betting/ohio/barstool). [reported this week](https://theathletic.com/4136200/2023/01/30/nba-trade-deadline-rumors-raptors-bucks-suns-crowder/) that the Knicks would part with multiple first-round picks for Anunoby. [ doesn’t want to be traded](https://hoopshype.com/rumor/og-anunoby-says-he-doesnt-want-out-of-toronto-it-is-what-it-is/), and Raptors reporters have [expressed doubt](https://hoopshype.com/rumor/1882878/) that Toronto will move him.

With Kyrie Irving demanding a trade from the Brooklyn Nets before Feb. 9 deadline, the Lakers and other contenders are again weighing their options.

could be a floor-spacer the Lakers might pursue. A trade with the Nets would certainly include Russell Westbrook. Irving missed most of last season when he wasn’t allowed to play in Brooklyn for declining to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Irving, who makes $36.5 million, has been unable to reach a contract extension with the Nets and is set to be a free agent at the end of the season. The Lakers had their concerns, including committing significant salary and multiple years on a contract to a player who hasn’t always been reliable. On the court, Irving’s been one of the best players at his position, averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists. But my focus, initially, if I could do it over, would be to heal and repair a lot of my close relationships with my Jewish relatives, brothers and sisters.” There’s skepticism that the Detroit Pistons will trade Bojan Bogdanovic, though Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. The Lakers had Westbrook trade discussions with teams in the approach to Thursday’s deadline, including with the Utah Jazz. The Lakers would need to take back an additional player in a trade for Irving to make the salaries match, according to NBA trade rules. [LeBron James](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-11-14/75-greatest-lakers-players-lebron-james-place-in-history)’ pursuit of [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-24-sp-1593-story.html) for the all-time scoring record. [the Lakers last offseason](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-07-11/what-rival-scouts-executives-think-about-lakers-roster) before he [opted in to his contract](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-06-27/los-angeles-lakers-kyrie-irving-brooklyn-nets-exercises-contract-option) with Brooklyn.