Video: Kyrie Irving Hopes Public Criticism of Luka, Lakers Trade Gets 'Tailored Back'

Kyrie Irving is hoping to see some more positivity surrounding Luka Dončić following his former teammate's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

"There were real relationships that were built behind the scenes that will transcend just the basketball court, and coaching, and then upper management," Irving told ESPN's Malika Andrews when asked about the Mavericks' comments about Dončić (1:45 mark.) "I know that, for my own peace of mind, just because we not only had two years together, but we got a chance to know each other as men.

"And hopefully we can tailor back some of the public criticism aspects of it, and really just maintain the kindness and the compassion that we have for each other, that's real, every day."

Irving continued: "That's what I feel like is going on right now. People are highly emotional."

Minutes after ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news of the trade late on the night of Feb. 1, ESPN's Tim MacMahon wrote that the Mavericks were concerned with Dončić's "conditioning issues."

That was the first of a series of reports since the trade that indicate unhappiness with Dončić from inside the Mavericks camp. Most recently The Athletic's Christian Clark, Mike Vorkunov and Fred Katz wrote that the Mavericks held Dončić out for five games in November for what was originally classified as a wrist sprain but was really "time off to improve his conditioning."

Dončić has maintained he was surprised by the trade and expected to end his career with the Mavericks.

Irving and Dončić will reunite for the first time since the trade next week, when the Mavericks arrive in Los Angeles for a Tuesday night game against the Lakers. It is uncertain if Anthony Davis, the cornerstone of Mavericks' trade who was sidelined before the All-Star break with an adductor strain, will be able to play.