NBA News Roundup, Saturday, May 4th: Kyrie Irving could stay in Boston, Lakers close to appointing a new head coach and more

After a somewhat modest showing in round one, the 2019 postseason is starting to kick into full gear. The Houston Rockets are embroiled in a bitter grudge series against a Warriors team looking to win a third consecutive championship, whereas the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks may need seven games to decide a winner.

Elsewhere, the annual NBA draft is less than two months away, and all eyes are on Zion Williamson -- who many experts have labelled as the most promising teenager to enter the NBA since LeBron James did back in 2003.

A number of upcoming free-agents such as Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant will also be up for grabs over the coming months, so, here are all latest news and rumors you need to know for May 4th.

---

Irving to remain in Boston?

Boston Celtics v Milwaukee Bucks - Game One

Kyrie Irving's commitment to the Celtics has weakened as the season has progressed, and many have backed him to leave for New York during the offseason. However, according to Kevin O'Connor, Irving is set to stay in Boston:

I think what's going to happen has been pretty consistent all along. He is most likely to stay with the Boston Celtics. They're going to be in the running for Anthony Davis. But he's also going to weigh his other options.

And I think the other factor to consider though is the fact that Kevin Durant - in at least recent weeks maybe about the past month - the noise about him going to the Knicks has felt less certain. He also is going to consider the Knicks still, but I wouldn't rule out the Clippers or Nets for that matter.

I think with KD perhaps being a little less likely to go to the Knicks, that also applies to Kyrie. Because that was the appeal, them joining forces.

Irving has been with the Celtics since 2017, and he has this season averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Ty Lue set to become new Lakers head coach

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors

The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for a new head coach since Luke Walton exited to team just over two weeks ago, and according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are set to appoint Ty Lue:

The Los Angeles Lakers are proceeding toward an offer to Ty Lue in the coming days and have no plans to introduce new candidates into their head-coaching search, league sources told ESPN.

The team has been on its own timetable throughout this process and has yet to offer the job to any candidate, league sources said.

Lue coached the Cleveland Cavaliers between 2016-18, and his relationship with LeBron James is believed to be valued by Lakers executives.

The Lakers were also strongly linked with Monty Williams, however, Williams agreed to become the new Phoenix Suns coach earlier this week.

JR Smith's career could be over

Cleveland Cavaliers v Detroit Pistons

JR Smith has not played since November. The veteran star was made available for trade by the Cleveland Cavaliers after he publicly accused his team of deliberately tanking, although Smith subsequently failed to find a new team.

Smith will enter the final year of his four-year contract next season, although Joe Vardon of The Athletic is reporting that the 34-year-old may have played his final NBA game:

JR Smith, in name only, is the other remaining Cavs participant from every finals. He’s been in exile since November, and Cleveland will trade his contract by next month. His career could be over after that.

After joining the Cavs back in 2015, Smith became a regular starter alongside LeBron James, and he played a key role in the teams 2016 NBA title win. However, the Cavs have since traded away their best player's, and due to his disruptive reputation, Smith will find it difficult to land on another NBA roster.