Published 02/05/2023, 10:52 PM EST
The Kyrie Irving saga surely ended with a bang, both in a positive and a negative manner. The Dallas Mavericks finally got a reliable All-Star to pair with Luka Doncic, who was in dire need of help as of late. However, this was certainly awful news for Lakers fans as they were the reported front runners and favorites to land Irving. As soon as the trade took place, Lakers’ star LeBron James took it upon himself to the reason why Irving did not come to LA, which ended up sending fans in a tailspin.
The Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets have reportedly come to an agreement to send Kyrie Irving to Dallas in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and three future draft picks.
LeBron James seems shattered after the Irving trade
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This trade was probably the best thing to happen to Dallas in a very long time. The same cannot be said for the Los Angeles Lakers. As soon as the trade took place, LeBron James sent out a cryptic tweet, seemingly blaming himself.
Jan 30, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) looks on during a time out during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
James’ tweet read, “Maybe It’s Me,” implying that probably he was the reason why Irving did not come to the Lakers. Fans were quick to react to the Irving trade and James’ tweet.
One fan tweeted, “Me watching everything in my life burn down around me.”
Here are a few more reactions from NBA Twitter:
Many fans in the comments section were as upset as LeBron over the trade. While others urged James to leave the Lakers.
What the Kyrie Irving trade could’ve done
The fact that Kyrie Irving did not come to the Lakers was definitely a blow to the team. Irving would’ve likely been able to help the Lakers squad on so many fronts, starting with scoring and three-point shooting.
A few more aspects where the eight-time All-Star would’ve made an immediate impact is floor spacing. Irving demands a lot of attention on defense which would in turn attract multiple defenders on him.
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On top of that, the 2016 NBA champion is more than capable of finding his teammates in open spaces. With multiple defenders on Irving, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest could’ve possibly had their opportunity to turn into spot-up shooters.
However, if Irving did come to the Lakers, he might have had to play not even second, but third fiddle to James and Davis.
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Although, one of the most important questions to ask now is, where does this leave Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets?
What do you think of Kyrie Irving joining the Dallas Mavericks? Let us know in the comments below.