LeBron James has admitted to being disappointed the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to broker a trade for Kyrie Irving. At the same time, the 38-year-old announced that he wanted to focus on the current Lakers team and the race for the playoffs from now on.
“That was definitely disappointing,” LeBron James said in an interview ESPNwhen questioned about Kyrie Irving’s trade. According to media reports, the Lakers had made an offer for the point guard with which James won the title in Cleveland in 2016, but ultimately the Dallas Mavericks were awarded the contract.
“I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed that we didn’t get such a talent who I had great chemistry with on court and who can help you win championships,” continued James. At the same time, he claimed that he had already ticked off the failed Irving trade.
“My focus is back where it should be: on this team and on the guys we have in the dressing room,” LeBron said. “We had an opportunity – our name was out there [in den Gerüchten] – but it didn’t happen. We’re moving on and we’re going to end the season strong to get into the postseason. When we’re healthy, we can compete with anyone.”
The Lakers are currently only 13th in the Western Conference with a record of 25 wins and 29 losses, but the gap to the play-in ranks is only two games. Even a secure sixth-place playoff ticket is still within reach (three games behind the Mavs).
In addition, the Lakers are reportedly still looking for reinforcements. Loud The Athletic those responsible are already working on a plan B and are said to have their sights set on the Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors. LA still has time until the trade deadline on Thursday, February 9th to thread deals and thus strengthen the roster. Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, continues to be traded as a candidate who could still leave the Lakers.
