The Kyrie Irving trade swept up the NBA newswire on Sunday. Nearly 24 hours later, LeBron James, a former teammate of Kyrie’s, commented on the trade. More specifically, that his Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t swing it.
The Lakers reportedly made an offer to acquire the controversial multi-time All-Star. But Brooklyn Nets owner Jim Tsai reportedly snuffed that out because of Irving and his preference to go to LA.
LeBron spoke to longtime ESPN personality Michael Wilbon on Monday. James expressed disappointment over the fact that the Lakers couldn’t land his former teammate, with whom he won an NBA championship back in 2016.
“LeBron sat down with @RealMikeWilbon to share his thoughts on the Lakers not being able to trade for his former teammate Kyrie Irving: ‘I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent,'” ESPN tweeted.
LeBron sat down with @RealMikeWilbon to share his thoughts on the Lakers not being able to trade for his former teammate Kyrie Irving:
"I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent." pic.twitter.com/2smRTk3Y0c
— ESPN (@espn) February 6, 2023
The full quote from LeBron read:
“Well, definitely disappointed. I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed with not being able to land such a talent. But, someone I had great chemistry with and know I got great chemistry with on the floor that can help you win championships. In my eyes.”
LeBron noted his focus has shifted to the Lakers in their current state. But it’s easy to see why he would be disappointed. Even if Kyrie has his baggage, this reaction and result were incredibly predictable.
The Lakers were hit with jokes all over after they missed out on landing Kyrie on Sunday. Now that James has spoken, it’s a wonder where this will turn next.
[ESPN]
