Why the Dallas Mavericks should not worry about the Lakers stealing Kyrie Irving

What if Kyrie Irving signs for less than the max?

There are a lot of people who are suggesting Kyrie would take less than the max to sign with LeBron in Los Angeles. Sure, let's go ahead and take a look at how they would alter things.

The absolute most cap space the Lakers can create would be approximately $35 million for the 2023-2024 season. Let's say Kyrie agrees to that on a one- or two-year deal, forfeiting $12 million the first season in the process (not including state taxes in California compared to Texas). It wouldn't change things much. It would be worse for Los Angeles as it would require them to clear the roster outside of James, Davis, and Reaves.

For Dallas, if they were to lose Kyrie in a situation where he signs for less than the max, things still aren't going to be as grim as people think.

It would give Jaden Hardy a chance to step into the role left by Kyrie Irving and acquire more playing time. He flashed loads of potential in his rookie season, albeit on limited opportunities, but he could become the Mavericks' second-best player if given the opportunity.

Kyrie's departure would also allow the Mavs to create roughly $20 million in cap space to find a starting free-agent center.

Not to be forgotten, the Mavs still have the tenth pick in this year's draft, and it appears there will be a very impactful player available for them if they choose to keep their pick. Most of those prospects have defensive ability and project to play the small forward or power forward position.

A Dallas Mavericks starting lineup of Luka Doncic, Jaden Hardy, Josh Green, the 10th pick in the draft, and potentially a free-agent center is a very talented young team that could have a bright future.