LeBron James Responds to Kyrie Irving Links to Lakers With Interesting Answer

• LeBron James has responded to rumors of Kyrie Irving links to the Lakers after the Brooklyn Nets star asked for a trade
• James said the question should be answered by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
• Irving and James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA title in 2016

When news of Kyrie Irving's trade request broke on Friday, February 3rd, Los Angeles Lakers fans took to social media begging the front office to make a move for the Brooklyn Nets star.

Lakers superstar LeBron James gave an interesting answer when asked if the Lakers should go for the Nets guard. He said Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka should be the one to answer that, calling it a 'duh' question.

The Lakers will have to include both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks if they want to make a move for Irving who has other suitors like Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers.

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The team declined to include the two picks in a potential deal involving Indiana Pacers Myles Turner and Buddy Hield earlier in the season,

According to the Athletic, a potential deal with the Nets would have them send Russell Westbrook and the two picks to the nets for Irving and another Nets' role player, who is likely to be Joe Harris. Paying Westbrook 47.1 million to come off the bench is also not ideal.

James on Irving to Lakers links

When asked about a possible reunion with Irving, James said Pelinka should be the one to address that question, per ESPN.

"That's a Rob question. You got to see him when y'all get back to L.A. I've told y'all a couple weeks, I don't speak for our front office. My mindset is whatever lineup or whatever group that we have is to make sure we prepare ourselves the best way we can to go out and win. Obviously, that's a -- what's the word you use -- 'duh' question when you talk about a player like that."

Kyrie Irving requests trade from Brooklyn Nets

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James is closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record. After scoring 27 points in Lakers' 131-126 defeat to the Pelicans, he is just 36 points away from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record.

There's still some way to go for the Lakers to acquire the 8x NBA All-Star. If completed, he would significantly improve the 2020 NBA champions, forming a formidable trio with James and Anthony Davis. The 30-year-old could play on or off the ball, meaning the fit would be perfect.

James and Irving mounted a historic comeback from 3-1 in the 2016 NBA Finals to help the Cleveland Cavaliers lift their first NBA title, beating the Golden State Warriors.

Clippers interest in Irving

The LA Clippers is another team that has underwhelmed since they acquired Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. They are in the market for a point guard to help them elevate their team to a serious contender. ESPN sources reported that the Clippers are pursuing a deal for Irving.

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Swapping Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard and Robert Covington for Irving and Markieff Morris would be a perfect salary match. However, it will be interesting to see what happens ahead of the February 9 NBA trade deadline.

Irving celebrates James

Sports Brief earlier reported on Irving paying tribute to LeBron James who is on the brink of NBA history.

James is expected to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the NBA's all-time scoring list at some point this month. James is 36 points away from breaking the record.

Irving said James should be celebrated because he has dominated the NBA for 20 seasons. Irving and James pulled off the impossible, coming from 3-1 down to win the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.