With only three players — LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie — that have fully guaranteed contracts past the 2022-23 season, Los Angeles Lakers have positioned themselves to sign All-Star guard Kyrie Irving in the 2023 offseason.

Irving, a 13-year veteran capable of commanding an annual salary of at least $40 million, is likely the top target on their free agent shortlist. Fortunately, the combined salaries of the aforementioned Lakers are about 38 million below the projected $134 million salary cap for the 2023-24 season.

Should Irving be willing to accept a contract worth up to 38 million annually, L.A. may assemble the best Big 3 in the NBA.

There’s reason to believe he will do just that. Kyrie has long professed his desire to play for the Lakers, particularly in the months leading up to his trade to the Dallas Mavericks.

While Irving has made it known he would welcome a reunion with former teammate LeBron James, his admiration and idolization of late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant is also a factor. Sentimental but significant, nonetheless.

So how exactly do the Lakers sign Kyrie Irving in free agency?

How the Lakers can still get Kyrie Irving in free agency

To start, the Lakers will have to decline the $16.5 million team option on shooting guard Malik Beasley. Beasley, a 3-point specialist that can thrive playing off of LeBron, would be missed.