DALLAS – Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has reached out to Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James about potentially teaming up in Big D, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that Irving has reached out to James to see if he has any interest in coming to Dallas.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reports that the Mavericks were “preparing to make an offer for James last season when the Lakers were spiraling.” Haynes said the Lakers made a series of trades around the deadline that changed how things were handled.
Irving and James were teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the NBA Championship in 2016.
James reportedly wanted the Lakers to add Irving before the Nets traded him to Dallas in February.
Irving is currently a free agent, and has not been forthcoming about if he wants to resign with Dallas.
Irving was seen courtside at multiple Lakers playoffs game in the last few months, fueling speculation that the pair may be trying to team up in Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 28: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas Mavericks greets LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers as he attends a basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies Round 1 Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against Los
James, who is 38 years old, has one year left on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
So the question becomes, could a deal for James even happen?
It would not be easy, but it is possible.
In order for Irving and James to team up with Doncic, both would likely have to take a paycut.
The easiest way for James to become a Maverick would be for James to have the final year of his contract bought out by the Lakers, but it is unlikely that the Lakers would do so.
The Mavericks can match James’ salary in a trade, but there are a number of obstacles to make it possible.
Following the Lakers being eliminated in the playoffs, James hinted at the possibility of retiring.
James’ son, Bronny, has committed to play basketball at USC next season, before a potential jump to the NBA.
James has said he would like to play with his son before he retires.
The Mavericks are looking to rebuild a roster that disappointed last season, missing out on the playoffs and finishing with a 38-44 record.
The Mavericks have the 10th pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
The draft will be held Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
NBA free agency begins June 30.
