Following the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff exit, reports suggest that LeBron James wanted the team to acquire Kyrie Irving. However, Irving, now with the Dallas Mavericks, is pushing for his team to trade for James.
Speculation about James' future has emerged, including retirement. While retirement isn't unlikely, James Laker's future is still uncertain. Irving has long desired to reunite with James, and he now wants the Mavericks to acquire James to create a formidable trio with Luka Doncic. This indicates Irving's potential interest in staying with the Mavericks as a free agent.
The Los Angeles Lakers' disappointing season ended with a sweep by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. Clearly, the Lakers were outmatched and need to make some moves if they hope to compete with the Nuggets next season. One rumored move is a possible reunion between Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. However, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Irving has reached out to LeBron to gauge his interest in joining the Dallas Mavericks.
Irving, who will be a free agent, seems open to returning to a team with arguably the greatest player ever. He and LeBron had success together on the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning a championship.
Since leaving LeBron, Irving has not been able to reach the same heights. The idea of running it back has interested LeBron, but the prospect of going to Dallas may not be as exciting for him. If the Lakers don't have a plan to make significant moves, this situation could be worth watching in the coming months.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the Mavericks have considered acquiring LeBron. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report revealed that the team was prepared to make an offer for LeBron during the previous season when it seemed like the Lakers were struggling.
However, the Lakers made trades that changed the trajectory of their season, and LeBron's contract extension made it impossible to trade him before the deadline. Nevertheless, he is now eligible for a trade.
It's not surprising that Irving is recruiting LeBron to the Mavericks, as the two have reconciled and are close again. They have been trying to reunite in Los Angeles, but the Lakers seem uninterested in Irving. Hence, Irving is now attempting to lure LeBron to Dallas.
However, the idea of LeBron joining the Mavericks may not make much sense to him. The team did not make the playoffs last season, despite Irving and Luka Doncic being on the roster. Adding LeBron would likely result in a lack of roster depth for the Mavericks.
While LeBron may like the idea of not being the primary ballhandler anymore, he has personal commitments in Los Angeles, such as his son attending USC and various business ventures. Given the current state of the Mavericks and the Lakers, it is unlikely that LeBron would seriously consider this idea.