Kyrie Irving opts in with Nets. What Next For the Lakers? Plus, Would Malik Monk Take Less to Stay?

The world woke up Monday to news that the relationship between Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets continued to deteriorate, and the star guard had permission to look for a sign and trade deal that would end his stay with the Nets. The Lakers, it was said, were the only team that showed interest. But Brooklyn, it was said, didn't want Russell Westbrook. So would it be a three-team deal? Four? How far would the Lakers go to simultaneously add the dynamic (if problematic) scorer and rid themselves of the Westbrook problem? Well, by 4 pm local time, it was a moot point. Kyrie announced, in the most pretentious way possible, he'll be staying with the Nets. Irving opts into the final year of his contract, and while that doesn't mean he can't be traded, it does mean he can't be part of a sign-and-trade that would bring him the contract Brooklyn seems unwilling to provide. So what does this situation say about Kyrie? The league's shifting approach to stars? The Lakers? And L.A.'s relationship to Westbrook? All of it is relevant and discussed herein. From there, it's a look at NBA free agency, which kicks off on Thursday. Specifically, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reports that Malik Monk, one of the team's few bright spots from last season, would be willing to take a little less to stay with the Lakers. Which would probably be required, were the Lakers to retain him. LA simply can't compete with what other teams can offer Monk, should they be so inclined. But even if the Lakers can give Monk their biggest available exception (a little over six million dollars) should they? Does Monk fill the greatest need in a summer where the Lakers have very few assets on hand? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Kyrie-to-LA heats up... then ends just as fast. SEGMENT 2: Why the Lakers handled this news cycle the right way, vis-a-vis Westbrook. SEGMENT 3: Should the Lakers use their taxpayer midlevel exception on Malik Monk, if that would keep him here? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Arcade1up Pre-order now from arcade1up.com - that’s Arcade, the number 1, Up, dot com - for an estimated early September ship date! They are giving away a NBA JAM Shaq edition to a Locked On listener! Enter for a chance to win a game console for your man-cave at arcade1up.com/lockedon. Sakara Sakara is a wellness company anchored in food as medicine, on a mission to nourish. Go to Sakara.com/LOCKEDON20 or Enter Code “LOCKEDON20” for 20% off at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices