Rumors linking Kyrie Irving to the Lakers have been heating up since the eight-time All-Star requested a trade from the Nets on Friday. Until we reach the deadline or a deal is done, don't expect them to cool down.
On Friday, LeBron James fanned the flames of the rumors with a simple tweet. Following a loss to the Pelicans on Saturday, James addressed the recent rumors with a deflection followed by a rather direct answer.
"That's a Rob (Pelinka) question," James said, directing reporters to the Lakers general manager when asked if Irving is the type of player capable of making the Lakers a title contender.
"You guys will see him when y'all get back to LA. I told y'all a couple of weeks ago, I don't speak for our front office. My mindset is whatever lineup or whatever group that we have — is to make sure that we prepare ourselves to go out and win."
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James then answered the initial question, saying "obviously that's a — what's the word you'd use — a 'duh' question, when you talk about a player like that," confirming his belief that Irving could take the Lakers to the championship tier.
LeBron James on if Kyrie Irving is the type of player that can help the Lakers get to the finish line: pic.twitter.com/EAbcLtcPjB
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 5, 2023
The Sporting News' Scott Rafferty recently highlighted the Lakers as one of Irving's best potential landing spots, but LA will likely have its fair share of competition, including its in-arena rival, the Clippers.
With the Clippers reportedly putting together a strong offer for Irving, it does become a Pelinka question, weighing whether or not he's willing and able to put together a deal that can entice the Nets to do business with them. LA's chances to compete may very well depend on it.
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At the time of James' most recent comments, the Lakers had fallen to 25-29 on the season and the West's 13th seed, two games back from the 10th seed and 3.5 games back from the sixth seed to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
If Lakers fans are looking for any encouraging omens, James had a similar "duh" answer in 2018 when asked about potentially teaming up with Anthony Davis.
While LA didn't complete a deal for Davis during the 2018-19 season, it did acquire the former No. 1 pick in the ensuing offseason. Time will tell if Lakers can acquire Irving ahead of the deadline or if something else is in store in the 2023 offseason.
