The NBA world was stuck with a bombshell on Friday after Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the organization. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James seems to have taken notice of this and hinted at some interest on his end in terms of a potential trade for Irving.
James took to social media shortly after Irving’s request and posted the eyeball emoji along with a crown.
👀👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 3, 2023
While this isn’t him specifically saying that he would like to reunite with Irving, many around the NBA world seem to believe that this social media activity is hinting at his interest in a potential trade.
LeBron almost certainly talked Kyrie into this trade request to come back lol https://t.co/gSbigTZioY
— Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) February 3, 2023
Ok, fine. We'll trade you for Kyrie. Welcome to Brooklyn. https://t.co/QxUmkY3wvF
— Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) February 3, 2023
Emoji SZN never disappoints https://t.co/UfuxFhhmZ5
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) February 3, 2023
Bye, Kyrie https://t.co/FnZPjLOv01
— Scott Ford (@scott_ford) February 3, 2023
James famously played alongside Irving for three seasons from 2014-2016 while both were on the Cleveland Cavaliers. During that time, they were able to reach the NBA Finals in all three years. They were able to cap off their time together with perhaps the greatest NBA Finals comeback of all time over the Golden State Warriors in the 2015-16 season.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers are among the initial suitors for Irving after his trade request on Friday along with the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have emerged as potential suitors for Brooklyn Nets All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023
It is very likely that the Nets will likely either want a star player in return or some heavy draft compensation in a potential Kyrie Irving trade.
In comparison to Phoenix and Dallas, the Lakers are very clearly the team that has the least to offer in terms of players in return for Irving unless they are willing to part ways with star forward Anthony Davis.
Regardless, it certainly appears that if LeBron James has his way, Irving could become a Los Angeles Laker ahead of the NBA trade deadline later this month.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.