Lakers Fans React to LeBron James Picking Kyrie Irving in the 2023 NBA All Star Draft

• LeBron James selected Kyrie Irving as his second starter in the 2023 NBA All-Star Draft
• The two stars teamed up before in Cleveland, winning a championship for the Cavs in 2016
• The Los Angeles Lakers tried to acquire Irving before the trade deadline but failed in their bid

Let the mind games begin.

LeBron James got everyone talking when he selected Kyrie Irving as his second starter pick in the 2023 NBA All-Star Draft.

Fans were quick to react to the selection, with some wondering if the All-Star team-up is a preview of their reunion next season in Los Angeles.

Speculation about Irving’s future went into overdrive just before the trade deadline when the Brooklyn Nets shipped him off to the Dallas Mavericks.

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn lauds Kyrie Irving after exit from Brooklyn Nets

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Kyrie proving his worth

Irving refused to sign a contract extension with Brooklyn and instead handed in a trade request.

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back, with Brooklyn deciding to end their association with Kyrie once and for all.

The trade has worked out well for the Mavericks thus far, with Irving averaging 28.3 points and 7.0 assists in four games played with Dallas, according to Bleacher Report.

Where will Irving go?

The main priority now for Mark Cuban and the Mavs front office is to get Irving to agree to a long-term contract. The 30-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the season, making him a possible target for the Lakers.

James has openly expressed his admiration for Irving in the past. He was disappointed when the Lakers failed to acquire Irving before the trade deadline, noting that Kyrie is a great talent and someone with whom he had great chemistry.

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd sends warning to NBA teams after Kyrie Irving trade

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Fans react to Kyrie pick

It was no surprise then that James picked Irving in the All-Star Draft. One fan commented, “Kyrie to the Lakers confirmed.” Another Twitter user noted, “All I know is Kyrie to the Lakers.”

Here are the other reactions to LeBron’s Kyrie selection in the 2023 NBA All-Star Draft.

Giannis, LeBron make draft picks

Sports Brief recently reported on the rosters of Team LeBron and Team Giannis in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.

James selected Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brown, Paul George, Tyrese Haliburton, Julius Randle, De’Aaron Fox, and Jaren Jackson Jr. for Team LeBron.

Antetokounmpo picked Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, Bam Adebayo, and Domantas Sabonis for Team Giannis.