Lakers

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — LeBron James edged closer to the NBA's all-time scoring record as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out a thrilling 112-111 victory over the ...

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. 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. “We’ve seen it a bunch in this league with him. “It’s one of those records you don’t ever think will be broken.”

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.”

LOS ANGELES: 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 ...

He grabbed eight rebounds and handed off four assists and the Knicks secured the needed win when Tyler Herro's three-point attempt as time expired failed to fall. The Lakers close out their road trip Saturday at New Orleans then host Oklahoma City on Tuesday and the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday. "I just tried to stay on his body and make him shoot over the top," Davis said. "It's one of those records you don't ever think will be broken." The Lakers had trailed all night when James' three-pointer gave them their first lead of the contest with 2:35 to play. Darius Garland picked up the slack, scoring 32 points and handing out 11 assists for Cleveland, who pushed their lead to as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter.

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 ...

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

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.

The three Western Conference clubs are expected to be in the mix for the veteran point guard after his Thursday trade request.

'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.

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.

The Lakers and Mavericks are among the teams expected to talk to the Nets before next Thursday's trade deadline about a possible deal involving Kyrie Irving ...

[John Wall](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr)‘s trade market, according to [Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2023-02-03/los-angeles-clippers-john-wall-nba-trade-rumors). ESPN’s Tim MacMahon observes ( [via Twitter](https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1621610159997964288)) that Mavs president of basketball operations Nico Harrison (a former Nike executive) and head coach Jason Kidd have long-standing relationships with Irving, and Dallas badly wants a co-star for [Luka Doncic](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr). Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times [tweets](https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/1621600486943035392) that there has also been some buzz in league circles about the Heat being a team to watch. New York and Philadelphia don’t look like logical fits for Kyrie at this point, but L.A.’s other team could be worth keeping an eye on. There are a handful of reasons why the list of obvious matches for Irving isn’t lengthy. Additionally, Irving’s $36.9MM cap hit is sizable and wouldn’t be easy for certain clubs to match. [tweets](https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1621608305041805312) Wojnarowski. [tweets](https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1621609618689634304) Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. [Twitter link](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1621608256014540800)). [Twitter link](https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1621602797824139265)), Irving hasn’t given the Nets a list of preferred landing spots, but his interest in the Lakers has carried over from the 2022 offseason. [Kyrie Irving](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/irvinky01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-03_bbr), according to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein ( [Twitter link](https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1621600947263651840)). [requested a trade](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/02/nets-kyrie-irving-requests-trade.html) out of Brooklyn.

After The Athletic broke the story of Kyrie Irving's trade request made to the Brooklyn Nets, the entire NBA world started looking into his options to leave ...

Last but not least, the Miami Heat could present a trade for Kyle Lowry, Gabe Vincent, and Caleb Martin. Mavs have been looking for an All-Star caliber player who can play next to Kyrie and ESPN confirms they would be willing to trade for Spencer Dinwiddie, Reddie Bullock and JaVale McGee. This can potentially become a win-win for both teams as Lakers recently started making inquiries to trade Westbrook. According to Malika Andrews from the network, Lakers would be willing to trade It all happened in a matter of days throughout the week as Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets didn't reach an extension agreement. The news can be considered one of the most significant in recent months amid the upcoming trade deadlina on February 9.

Los Angeles Lakers legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson threw his support behind the idea of the Lakers acquiring All-Star guard Kyrie Irving ...

Thus, the Lakers are expected to be active at the trade deadline in an attempt to add quality pieces around LeBron and Davis. would be out of the playoffs if the season ended today. [Charania](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1621608256014540800) followed up with a report that the Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential suitors for Kyrie. can trade is its 2027 pick. On the court, Irving is enjoying an excellent 2022-23 season, as he was selected an All-Star starter, making him an eight-time All-Star. Irving would be an ideal addition, but it is unclear if the Lakers have the ammo needed to make it happen.

This is the reason the Los Angeles Lakers have been holding onto their future draft picks while 38-year-old LeBron James kept starring for a sub-.500 team.

(Beverley and Walker IV could also be included in an Irving package or a separate deal to further upgrade the rotation, league sources tell The Athletic.) It took several months, but the Irving to the Lakers talks are back on. Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said that any trade involving the picks would have to make the Lakers “front runners” in the title race. He’s the type of defense-bending shooter the Lakers desperately need; he and Irving would immediately become the Lakers’ two best shooters. Depending on how the Nets value the Lakers’ picks and what happens with [Kevin Durant](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kevin-durant-ho6h1sijyi2PAURU/) in the wake of this news, the Lakers could reroute one of their picks to a third team, who would then send additional players to Brooklyn to help the Nets remain competitive. The Lakers have interest in any of those, but Harris is the one the Nets will most likely want to trade given his contract (he is under contract for $19.9 million in the 2023-24 season) and injury history. Nike notably severed ties with Irving despite him being one of the most popular [NBA](https://theathletic.com/nba/) athletes. But Irving is the caliber of player who would check all of those boxes. The possibility of acquiring Irving clearly meets the criteria of a viable alternative. As of now, it’s unclear if the Lakers would be willing to offer the four-year extension that Irving is seeking. But the Lakers aren’t interested in including either in a potential package, according to those sources. The Lakers have a finite number of assets they can trade.