Feb 2, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers
(New York, NY) – Lebron James is less than pleased now that star point guard Kyrie Irving has been traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers star and NBA legend tweeted, “maybe it’s me,” after word broke that Irving’s trade request had been granted – sending him to Dallas/Fort Worth. But in reality, as reported earlier Monday, Nets owner Joe Tsai may have spurned Irving’s request to join Lebron in LA.
As that reality sunk in for James, he admitted the situation is disappointing. “I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent, but [also] someone that I had great chemistry with, and know I got great chemistry with on the floor, that can help you win championships, in my mind, in my eyes,” James told ESPN’s Michael Wilbon.
The future hall of famer and all-time great said his focus has since shifted, referring to it as a missed opportunity. James maintains he’s now looking to finish the season strong and try to get into the NBA Playoffs, where he feels “when healthy, we can compete with anybody.”
“It’s a quick pivot,” James said. “It don’t take me long. I don’t get too excited about the possibilities of things that can be. I kind of envision myself on what it can, but I don’t invest it all the way into it until I know it’s happening. And when it does not happen, I’m back locked in on the job at hand.”
The Lakers reportedly offered Russell Westbrook and their two future first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2029, but the the Nets elected for the Mavs’ offer.
James helped LA to its most recent title in the “pandemic bubble” season of 2019-2020. The Lakers are sitting at 25-29 and 13th in the Eastern Conference.
