Kyrie Irving‘s decision of requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets was perhaps the golden opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to strengthen their roster. However, the deal went in the favor of the Dallas Mavericks instead, thus thoroughly disappointing LeBron James?and Lakers fans. Acquiring Irving would have given the Lakers a fighting chance this season but failing to do so has seemingly led the Lakers superstar to blame himself. However, several contradicting reports now suggest that the blame might belong with the Lakers’ front office.
The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks before the February 9 trade deadline. As per reports by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Mavs traded Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick. Additionally, the Mavs also included their 2027 and 2029 second-rounders in the deal. Furthermore, the Nets included forward Markieff Morris in the Irving deal.
LeBron James is perhaps not to be blamed for the failed Kyrie Irving deal
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After the deal with the Mavs was finalized, LeBron James shared a cryptic three-word tweet that suggested the 4x NBA champion blamed himself for the failed deal. Earlier in 2019, it was LeBron who had suggested the Anthony Davis trade and the front office had complied with his request. However, the aftermath of the Russell Westbrook trade, which James’ had suggested as well, possibly put a dent in the relationship between James and GM Rob Pelinka. This is perhaps why the 19x NBA All-Star blamed himself.
“The Lakers simply would not move those picks. Not for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, not for various assets from Utah, not for various assets from San Antonio and, according to league sources, not in weekend discussions for Irving.”
– @HPbasketball pic.twitter.com/XBvEqYMFo0
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2023
However, conflicting reports indicated that not James, but the Lakers’ front office are to be blamed for the failed trade deal. Two different sources have revealed two contrasting reasons surrounding the Lakers’ offer to the Nets. Matt Moore of Action Network shared that the Lakers were unwilling to include their two future picks in the trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
READ MORE -?Kevin Durant Injury Forces Nets into Huge Trade Deadline Decision as Kyrie Irving Pressure Mounts: REPORT
Whereas, Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report informed that the Lakers did in fact include their first-round picks for Irving.
REPORT: Lakers offer for Kyrie did include their 2027 and 2029 1st-Round Picks. The Suns offer was Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, and “unspecified picks,” via @ChrisBHaynes
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 6, 2023
Given the duality of the situation, fans are skeptical to believe either of the sources.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Lakers front office is lying lol! They didn’t offer those picks 😂😂😂
— Darnell Gilet (@DarnellGilet) February 6, 2023
https://twitter.com/LouAyeBurner/status/1622377026471530503?s=20&t=DIYlI8Nk80LSPBTx3CmpkQ
https://twitter.com/LouAyeBurner/status/1622416814746619905?s=20&t=2fClqZsmssVzC5K5ghWfcg
Lakers dying on this hill that 27 and 29 draft picks are worth anything
— Mark Anthony (@MarkAnth0nyyy) February 6, 2023
I believe it. It’s been the Lakers position since the summer
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 6, 2023
We don’t know this. Who is league sources? The Nets simply did not want Russell Westbrook. They wanted players who would help them contend and they got that.
— 'Al' Osei (@al_osei) February 6, 2023
https://twitter.com/Cant_guuard_me/status/1622398201738190849?s=20&t=DIYlI8Nk80LSPBTx3CmpkQ
I can’t believe these people get paid millions of dollars to decide that an unknown 8th and 10th grader are more valuable than a 30 year old NBA champion smh
— Wynn (@4Dariuswynn) February 5, 2023
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Kyrie Irving joins the Mavs after contract talks with the Nets
The former Brooklyn Nets star put the NBA world in shock when he requested a trade. Irving had reportedly failed to reach a contract extension agreement with the Nets. The franchise had apparently offered him a contract with certain stipulations, that Irving could not agree with.
WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James chucks aside Lakers trade questions with 5 words
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Therefore, given the circumstances, the 2016 NBA champion put in a trade request. Irving also made it clear that in case the team is unable to trade him before the deadline, he would leave in free agency in the summer.
Who do you think is to blame for the Lakers missing out on Kyrie Irving? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.