“Lakers Wanted No Part of Kyrie Irving”: Hours After $126,000,000 Deal, Skip Bayless Claims LeBron James and Co Wanted None of the ‘Drama’

The most beautiful time during the NBA offseason is upon us. A week after Victor Wembanyama was all any media outlet could discuss, we’re onto the NBA Free Agency. With the Free Agency window opening earlier today, we’ve seen some big moves, including one by Kyrie Irving as well.

Ever since the Mavericks got eliminated from Playoff contention, he had been sparking rumors with his attendance at Lakers games. Then rumors started about LeBron James potentially joining Kyrie at Dallas. However, all those came to a swift end right at the start of free agency. Kyrie signed a 3-year, $126,000,000 deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

While a contract being signed on the first day brings a swift end to the rumor mill, Skip Bayless believes there’s more to it than what meets the eye. The Fox Sports 1 analyst claims the Lakers wouldn’t have extended a qualifying offer because they wanted none of the ‘drama’ he brings.

Skip Bayless believes LeBron James and Lakers did not want Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is one of the best point guards of this generation. He has incredible skills, a high Basketball IQ, and is an outstanding player. However, as of late, Kyrie cannot seem to arrive as a basketball player alone. He’s also an activist, and a conspiracy theorist and believes basketball isn’t his top priority anymore. That’s not something you want to hear from a player expecting a $40-50 Million a year deal.

Skip Bayless believes the Lakers felt the same way, as Kyrie inked a deal within the first few hours of free agency itself. He claims that the Lakers found the controversy and absences won’t align with their win-now mentality while LBJ is still there and healthy.

Even though it looked like LeBron James wanted a 2nd chance at teaming up with Uncle Drew, that wouldn’t be in the cards anymore, at least not in the near future.

Kyrie teams up with Seth Curry for the third time

When one thinks of Kyrie Irving and Curry, the first image that pops up to the head is Stephen Curry and that Game 7 dagger. However, his younger brother Seth shares a long history with the Mavericks star. The two were teammates at Duke, and then played together in Brooklyn. With Seth Curry signing a 2-year deal with the Mavericks, looks like these two are set to become teammates for the third time.

This is also the third stint Seth will have with the Mavericks. He played for them during the 2016-17 season, and then during the 2019-20 season. Maybe the third time’s the charm, and now Kai and Seth can win a ring together.