Phil Handy compared Kyrie Irving to Kobe Bryant

It is not exactly a secret that the Los Angeles Lakers would love to acquire Kyrie Irving this summer.

In fact, some would say they’re desperate to do so, as it is likely the only way they will become championship contenders again during the LeBron James era.

Irving would represent a sea change for the Purple and Gold, as his incredible ball-handling, shot-creating and shot-making skills would make the team feared again.

He has seven All-Star selections and three All-NBA nods to his name, and he will almost certainly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer after he retires.

Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy recently gave the North Jersey native some massive praise by comparing him to the late great Kobe Bryant.

Handy has a relationship with Irving. He was an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers when the star guard was there. Handy also had a stint as a player development coach in L.A. from 2011 to 2013, during which worked with Bryant.

Irving may not have Bryant’s legendary low post skills or ball-hawking ability on the defensive end, but he is one of the best and most memorable players of this era.

List

Report: Lakers, Knicks and Jazz discussed blockbuster trade that has Donovan Mitchell in New York

Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire