LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers Jan 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) addresses his team before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring multiple trade deals to revamp their roster ahead of this week’s trade deadline.

Multiple media reports say the Lakers are particularly interested in acquiring Brooklyn Nets Guard Kyrie Irving.

Lakers star LeBron James sent a clear message about that possibility on Saturday night:

“LeBron was asked if Kyrie is a piece that can help get the Lakers to the finish line, and he started his answer by saying ‘that’s a Rob [Pelinka] question,’ but ended it by also saying ‘that’s a ‘duh’ question,'” wrote Lakers fan account Lakers Nation.

James and Irving played together with the Cleveland Cavaliers when they ended the city’s historic championship drought by defeating Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.

James, despite the ending of their professional relationship, defending Irving after his recent anti-semitic controversy.

“I believe what Kyrie did caused some harm to a lot of people,” James told reporters in November, according to Fox News. “He has since, over the last – today, or was it yesterday? – he apologized. But he caused some harm, and I think it’s unfortunate. I don’t stand on the position to harm people when it comes to your voice or your platform or anything. So, it doesn’t matter what color your skin is, how tall you are, what position you are in. If you are promoting or soliciting or saying harmful things to any community that harm people, then I don’t respect it. I don’t condone it.”

Irving played collegiately with the Duke Blue Devils before joining the Cavaliers as the No. 1 selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. He joined the Boston Celtics in 2017 before being traded to the Nets in 2017.

Irving is an NBA champion, as well as a eight-time NBA All-Star. He won the NBA All-Star MVP award in 2014.

[Lakers Nation]