LeBron James doesn't hesitate in admitting Kyrie Irving would elevate LA Lakers into championship contention
LeBron James didn't hold back his thoughts when asked if Kyrie Irving would elevate the LA Lakers into a championship contender. Irving has been linked to the Lakers after reportedly demanding a trade out of the Brooklyn Nets. Several rumors suggest the Lakers are his preferred landing spot.
With the trade deadline nearing, James, Irving's former teammate, was bound to face questions about the Nets' All-Star guard following the team's 131-126 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Here's what James said about the speculation and Irving turning the Lakers into a contender (via Dave McMenamin):
"That's a Rob [Pelinka] question. ... Obviously that's a, what's the word you use, 'Duh,' question when you talk about a player that like that."
LeBron James on whether Kyrie Irving is the type of player that can propel the Lakers to a championship level if traded for: "That's a Rob [Pelinka] question. ... Obviously that's a, what's the word you use, 'Duh,' question when you talk about a player that like that."
LeBron James returned to Cleveland in 2014 after winning two championships with the Miami Heat. Kyrie Irving's emergence had a role to play in it. James trusted his instincts about Irving's impact. They made three NBA Finals appearances in a row, winning the title in 2016 by erasing a 3-1 deficit against the 72-9 regular-season win Golden State Warriors.
James and Irving have achieved tremendous success as teammates without having a smooth relationship off the court. Irving ranks right up there alongside Dwyane Wade and Anthony Davis as one of James' best teammates in terms of their on-court fit as co-stars.
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have a mutual interest in a reunion
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have struggled to achieve collective success since parting ways in 2018. James played two finals series, getting swept against the Warriors in 2018 with the Cavs and winning the chip in 2020 with the Lakers.
However, he incurred his first-ever first-round loss in the playoffs in 2021 and missed the playoffs twice since his move to LA (2018 and 2022). The Lakers are 13th in the Eastern Conference and could face the same fate if they don't upgrade their roster.
Meanwhile, Irving failed to elevate into a reliable superstar with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. His career has been overshadowed by his off-court antics since then, impacting his team's results and potential to win a championship.
At this point, a reunion between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving would be the best solution for them to get their desired results. The former could be the ideal teammate Irving could have at this point to mentor him and help him scale his potential again.
Meanwhile, Irving is the kind of player the Lakers will need alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis to become legitimate contenders. Irving's skillset fits perfectly with LeBron and AD. He is a versatile scorer and shot-creator.
Concerns remain about Irving's reliability, but his on-court fit makes him the best option the Lakers have to return to the top.