Inside The Nets

Kyrie Irving Reacts to LeBron James Wanting Lakers to Trade For Him

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving opened up about the near reunion with LeBron on the Lakers

Joey Linn

© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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It was no secret that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James wanted Kyrie Irving as a teammate again. When the Brooklyn Nets ultimately made a deal that sent Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, James spoke on what could have been.

In an interview for ESPN, James said, "Definitely disappointing. I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent. Someone that I had great chemistry with, and know I got great chemistry with on the floor - that can help you win championships... But my focus has shifted now. My focus has shifted back to where it should be, and that's this club now, and what we have in the locker room."

When asked about these comments, Irving told a group of media members in Dallas, "I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I think you heard in his interview - as much as the what-ifs I would love to focus on and cherish, what could have been or what should be, I have to shift my focus to what we have going on here. That's what brings me peace, just taking care of what I can control here, and really embracing my teammates and being one of the leaders on our team alongside the coaches and front office." 

Irving added that LeBron and himself have grown as human beings, and while they will always have a strong relationship, the two must now focus on their own situations with their respective teams.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn32@sbcglobal.net Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis, insight, and reporting Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Receiving a media credential during the 2021-22 season, Joey has experience interviewing NBA players, and developing exclusive stories from these interviews. Having appeared on several different NBA podcasts over the last four seasons, Joey is now hosting his own podcast for The Sporting Tribune. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Now graduated, Joey is covering the NBA full-time across multiple platforms. Credentialed by the Clippers, Joey covers the team daily with articles, podcasts, and video breakdowns on YouTube. With four years of sports media experience, Joey provides expert insight and analysis for NBA fans across the league.

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