NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 4: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the gameagainst the New Orleans Pelicans on February 4, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James Says 'Duh' Kyrie Irving Trade Would Help Lakers' NBA Title Aspirations

Erin WalshFeb 5, 2023

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving appear to be hoping for a Southern California reunion ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

When asked Friday whether Irving could help the Lakers win another NBA title, James gave a very simple answer:

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report10h

Minnesota TImberwolves Denver Nuggets v - Game Five

Bleacher Report8h

James' comments come after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday that the four-time NBA champion is "an immense proponent of making a deal for his former [Cleveland] Cavaliers teammate and the Lakers are operating as a motivated suitor for Irving,"

Irving, who reportedly requested a trade from the Nets on Friday after failing to come to terms on a new deal, did not submit a list of desired destinations to the franchise, per Wojnarowski.

However, Irving has been linked to the Lakers since before the 2022-23 campaign, as The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported in August that his preferred destination would be L.A. if he were to be moved.

If the Purple and Gold manage to land Irving, the Lakers will be a team no Western Conference franchise will want to face in the first round.

Irving and James led the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016. They'd be more than capable of winning another title together in 2023, especially considering they'd form a new Big 3 alongside Anthony Davis.