Kyrie Irving free agency rumors: Kobe Bryant trying to recruit star to Lakers

Los Angeles is going all out to get Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant is even getting involved.

The 18-time All-Star is trying to recruit the guard to play for the Lakers, according to a report from Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher.

Bucher said Tuesday on "The Herd."

"The latest that I've heard is that it's between Brooklyn and the Lakers. And I've heard that the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant — now Kobe told me, or indicated to me, that he was not involved, that he was 'hey, that's their deal, I'm not part of it,' — but I was told in the last 24 hours, Kobe has been busy recruiting Kyrie to try to get him to the Lakers."

Irving can become a free agent after this season if he declines his player option with the Celtics. Most reports indicate he will explore the free-agent market.

"It's between Brooklyn and the Lakers... I was told in the last 24 hours Kobe has been recruiting Kyrie in particular, to get him to the Lakers. Everything I've heard I would still expect Kyrie is going to go to Brooklyn... He just bought a place in South Orange." — @RicBucher pic.twitter.com/HICrTPushl

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 28, 2019

In the meantime, ESPN reported Irving is "more open" to playing with the Lakers and LeBron James after he asked to be traded away from the Cavaliers and James in 2017.

Irving said during the offseason he planned to sign long term with the Celtics, but during the year he backtracked on those comments, saying he doesn't owe anyone anything and will do with his career what he wants.

The Lakers also have interest in signing Kemba Walker and are still trying to acquire star forward Anthony Davis in a deal with the Pelicans, according to multiple reports.