LeBron James responded to the news that the Brooklyn Nets are sending Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. In a Twitter post, James pondered whether he's to blame for the Lakers' inability to acquire the eight-time NBA All-Star.
"Maybe It’s Me," James tweeted. He and Irving previously played together on the Cleveland Cavaliers. There, the two led the team to its first NBA Finals victory in 2016. He's been vocal about wanting the Lakers to make a move before the trade deadline in recent days.
"That's a Rob question," James said Saturday following the Lakers' 131-126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. "You got to see him when y'all get back to L.A. I've told y'all a couple weeks, I don't speak for our front office. My mindset is whatever lineup or whatever group that we have is to make sure we prepare ourselves the best way we can to go out and win. Obviously, that's a -- what's the word you use -- 'duh' question when you talk about a player like that."
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets felt the Mavericks' deal would better position them to win now. The Lakers are believed to have included Russell Westbrook as well as a series of draft picks in their package. In exchange for Irving, the Nets will receive Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick as well as second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
The Lakers are currently 25-29 on the season, leaving them in 13th place in the Western Conference standings. The trade deadline is Thursday. If the team fails to make a move, they'll be sticking it out with Russell Westbrook for the rest of the season as they fight for a playoff spot. Check out LeBron James' recent tweet below.
[Via]