One of the biggest questions ahead of the 2023 trade deadline was, “How can the Lakers bring Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles?” Now, with the start of free agency less than a month away, Irving has flipped the question to, “How can the Mavericks bring LeBron James to Dallas?”
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that Irving contacted James in order to gauge his interest in joining the Mavericks. Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes then added more news to the NBA Twitter feed, reporting that Irving wants Dallas to explore trade options in an effort to create a new “Big Three” of Irving, James and Luka Doncic.
Let’s be clear about this — the Mavs acquiring James this offseason seems highly unlikely. James is under contract with the Lakers through at least the 2023-24 season, and it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which he reaches a buyout agreement with Los Angeles. It’s also unclear how Dallas would execute a blockbuster trade under the new CBA.
But the rumors will continue circulating because James has such a strong connection to Irving and Doncic.
MORE: Could the Mavs really pair James with Doncic and Irving?
LeBron James’ relationship with Kyrie Irving
James played alongside Irving from 2014-17 in Cleveland, advancing to three straight NBA Finals and leading the Cavaliers to their first title in franchise history in 2016. While James and Irving enjoyed incredible success together, they didn’t always have a smooth relationship.
As The Sporting News documented in great detail, that stretch was filled with ups and downs. In addition to the big wins and stunning highlights, there were passive-aggressive comments and cryptic social media posts. Irving requested a trade in July 2017, and the Cavs ultimately sent him to the Celtics.
In 2019, Irving called James to apologize about his attitude during his run in Cleveland. James was reportedly “very appreciative” that Irving reached out to him. The relationship appeared to be on the mend.
“Yeah, we’re in a good place right now,” James told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon when asked about the call. “Me and Kyrie are in a good place right now. I love the man that he’s becoming, I love the challenges he’s accepted and I always wish the best for him.”
The rumblings regarding a James-Irving reunion have only grown louder in the years since that conversation.
After Irving requested a trade out of Brooklyn in February, James made it clear that he supported a move to add Irving. And when Los Angeles failed to complete a deal for Irving, James expressed disappointment.
“I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent,” James told ESPN’s Michael Wilbon.
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
LeBron James’ relationship with Luka Doncic
James doesn’t have the same kind of history with Doncic as he does with Irving, but James and Doncic have plenty of respect for each other’s abilities.
Ahead of his rookie season in 2018-19, Doncic revealed that he has always viewed James as his “idol.” James was on the Doncic train early in his career, offering high praise for the Slovenian star after a November 2019 matchup between the Lakers and Mavericks.
“You never know who you can inspire along your path,” James told ESPN’s Doris Burke. “And you hope that you can inspire the next generation. And for me, by me playing the game the right way, always getting my teammates involved and playing for the purity of the game, I was able to inspire a kid that wasn’t even in America. And that’s pretty special.
“Obviously we see what he is capable of doing. His ability to make plays, not only for himself, for his teammates, the rebounding, just play for the pure love of the game. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.”
Doncic has been named an All-Star in each of the past four seasons, and as a team captain in the All-Star Draft, James has selected him four times.
“I love everything about his game,” James said before the 2022 All-Star Game. “I love everything about him. The way he plays the game reminds me of the way I play the game.”
Lakers’ LeBron James on Mavericks’ Luka Doncic: “The way he plays the game reminds me of the way I play the game. We’re triple threats. We rebound, we pass, which is the number one thing on our mind. … and we’ll put 40 on you too if you disrespect us.” pic.twitter.com/9vrxm4Zrvq
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 19, 2022
