LeBron Opens Up on Lakers Missing Out on Ex Nets Star Kyrie Irving

• LeBron James has admitted that he is disappointed the Lakers didn't land Kyrie Irving
• The former Brooklyn Nets guard was traded to the Dallas Mavericks although the Lakers tried to acquire him
• The lakers are looking to improve their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline

Kyrie Irving's blockbuster trade to the Dallas Mavericks is complete. The former Brooklyn Nets guard now joins forces with Luka Doncic and will be looking to lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.

When news of Irving's trade request broke, the Lakers were front runners but faced competition from the Clippers and Suns. LeBron James has weighed in on the trade, saying he was disappointed the team couldn't land his former teammate.

The 2020 NBA champions reportedly offered Russell Westbrook and their 2027 and 2029 first-round draft picks. However, the Nets liked the Mavericks package of Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected first-round pick in 2029 and two second-round picks, per the Athletic.

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The Lakers have struggled this season even though James is playing at an all-time high level at 38 years. They are 13th in the Western Conference with a 25-29 record and are pressured by fans to make a move ahead of the trade deadline.

James on Irving's trade

James admitted that he was disappointed with Irving not joining him in Los Angeles. The two played three seasons together in Cleveland, winning the 206 NBA title.

"I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent, but [also] someone that I had great chemistry with, and know I got great chemistry with on the floor, that can help you win championships, in my mind, in my eyes," via ESPN.

LeBron James on the cusp of history as he inches closer to history

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The four-time NBA, nevertheless said he is now focused on his team, stressing that they're still a formidable team when everyone's healthy.

"So we had an opportunity, our names were out there, the Lakers name was out there. We had an opportunity, it didn't happen. We move on and we finish this season strong, try to get a bid into the postseason, where I feel if we go in healthy, we can compete with anybody."

James 36 points away from history

The four-time MVP is on the verge of becoming NBA's all-time leading scorer and will almost certainly pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record which has stood since April 1984.

The former Miami Heat star is averaging 30 points per game this season and breaking that record will solidify his status as one of the greatest sportsmen of our generation.

Three key traits that define James

Sports Brief earlier reported on Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green naming three traits that make James the best-ever face of the NBA.

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Green highlighted that James has never had a scandal, been arrested, or photo’d drunk. He said those qualities go hand in hand with durability, longevity, and consistency.

The two have had fierce battles before but are now close friends and business partners. They are also represented by the same agency, Rich Paul's Klutch Sports.