Brown: LeBron and Lakers could be exactly what Kyrie is looking for
What has long been anticipated is finally official: Five-time All-Star Anthony Davis has requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans.
In a league dictated by star power and superteams, Davis’ future landing spot has the potential to swing the league’s pendulum for years to come. And with most cases in the NBA, the team that has LeBron James stands at the center of it all.
With young assets and plenty of cap space, James came to the Los Angeles Lakers last summer knowing they had the potential to add one or two superstars alongside of him. Davis on the trade market presents the Lakers with a prime opportunity to revitalize their storied franchise. With a rare long-term contract commitment from James, Magic Johnson and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka have plenty of cards to play with.
One of these cards might include pairing James with an unexpected character: Kyrie Irving.
Yes, the same Kyrie Irving that requested a trade from James and the Cavaliers just two years ago.
One day after Davis’ trade request went public, Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report released a new detail on a potential Irving-James reunion in Los Angeles. A source close to the Celtics confirmed with Bucher that Irving is “genuinely interested” in playing again with James.
Whether or not the Lakers would be able add Davis to that equation remains to be seen; but the fact that Irving might be entertaining the thought of joining forces with James is enough of a storyline to keep NBA Twitter on watch.
James and Irving were spectacular together during their four seasons in Cleveland. Irving’s finesse and shot-making ability, combined with James’ uncanny vision and power, produced a dangerous combination of offense on a nightly basis. Together, they beat one of the best teams in NBA history to bring Cleveland its first championship in 52 years.
As we know though, the story didn’t end happily ever after. Irving demanded a trade from the Cavaliers before the 2017-18 season, citing that he wanted to be a focal point of an offense, rather than playing as the second option next to James.
In a profile piece by ESPN senior writer Jackie MacMullan, numerous Cavaliers teammates noted that “LeBron's habit of referring to Irving as ‘the kid’ and his ‘little brother’ was eventually viewed by Irving as a subtle lack of respect.”
Thanks to a trade between the Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, Irving appeared to get his wish. He immediately became the franchise’s number one player. Due to a lingering knee injury that kept him out of last season’s playoffs, his opportunity to lead the Celtics to a championship still awaits.
But despite the potential in Boston, Irving will be a free agent this summer; and he might already have his eyes elsewhere. James is getting older, but his presence still reigns among the bright lights of Los Angeles. So why, after just two years apart, would Irving be willing to return to play in James' shadow?
GRASS NOT ALWAYS GREENER
While Irving is shooting a career-high 49% this season, it’s his post-game comments that are making headlines. After a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic, he criticized the mental toughness of his younger teammates.
Just a few days later, Irving not only apologized to his teammates, he also made reference to his experience playing alongside James.
“…I had to call Bron and tell him I apologize for being that young player that wanted to have everything at his fingertips and I wanted everything to be at my threshold. I wanted to be the guy that led us to change. I wanted to be the leader…And the responsibility of being the best player in the world and leading a team is something that's not meant for many people.”
His apologies to past and current teammates might be more than just growing pains; they could hold a much larger realization.
Is it possible that Irving was so focused on getting out of Cleveland that he missed the advantages he had right in front of him?
Returning to play alongside James would be both comfortable and familiar for Irving. The pressure would still be heavy, but it wouldn’t require the same type of leadership that he is asked to provide in Boston. As long as he remains healthy, James holds the weight of the league on his shoulders.
Irving said it already: the responsibility of being a team’s best player isn’t for everyone. A new opportunity in Los Angeles might rid him of the leadership demands he thought he so badly wanted.
LONG-TERM SECURITY
James and Irving are both to blame for the Cavaliers downfall. By refusing to agree to a multi-year deal in Cleveland, James created a culture of uncertainty, leaving Irving to feel hesitant on the future of the franchise. The lack of communication from James’ camp created a tense environment for everyone involved, eventually leading to a rumor that James wanted the Cavaliers to trade Irving for Paul George.
On July 1, 2018 James agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the second longest contract of his career. Irving no longer has to play alongside James with the fear that he may leave at the end of the season. If Irving is willing to accept his role on a LeBron James-led team, this new sense of security in Los Angeles could fill the same hole that ripped the Cavaliers apart.
MAGIC OF THE LAKERS
Both James and Irving had complications while playing under Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. Despite many players expressing their support for general manager David Griffin, Gilbert and Griffin’s conflicting vision’s for the franchise eventually collided, leading Griffin to step down during the same summer Irving requested a trade. Without stability in the front office, Cleveland was unable to mend a tricky situation.
The same championship banners that called James to Los Angeles might also be a selling point for Irving. Magic Johnson still has yet to prove he can bring another superstar to the Lakers, but his ability to relate with players and draw on his own experiences is an asset that most NBA franchises can’t offer.
Former Cavaliers coach, Bryon Scott, called Irving “one of those players who gets bored after a couple of years. He's wired differently than most. He needs to be stimulated. He needs another adventure.”
Who knows, the aura of the Showtime Lakers and the recruiting power of Magic Johnson could be the next adventure Irving is looking for. Whether you agree with it or not, Irving marches to the beat of his own drum – this time though, it might be once again following the league’s lead singer.
