This is a great deal for one of the top PGs in the NBA, but if the reports that nobody else wants Kyrie are correct, and presuming he won't play for Brooklyn again (which seems to be the case), the Nets don't have much leverage.

I'm sure there are Lakers fans saying they can get him for a 2nd rd draft pick! But that's not enough to account for the difference in the Westbrook contract alone, and the Nets will let him him stew before dumping him for nothing, so at least the unprotected 2027 pick (when the Lakers may be a lottery team) is a good future trade chip - the second pick is protected.

Lakers also get a great fit in Joe Harris, one of the best 3pt shooters in NBA history, while only giving up THT (who was bad last season), who may be useful to a suddenly young Nets team.