One day after the news broke Kyrie Irving requested to be traded by brooklyn network, LeBron James was asked if he was the type of player who could help Los Angeles Lakers to the destination.
“That’s Rob’s question,” James said, referring to general manager Rob Pelinka after the Lakers’ 131-126 loss to New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. “You have to see him when you get back to LA. I told you [for] For a few weeks, I don’t speak for our main office. My thinking is regardless of the squad or whatever group we have is to make sure we prepare ourselves the best we can to go out there and win.”
James then added one more sentence, clarifying his thoughts on whether Irving would increase the Lakers’ chances of winning the title.
“Obviously it’s a – what is the word you use – question ‘Duh’ when you talk about such a player.”
James played alongside Irving on Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-16, They achieved NBA Finalists all three years and together won the championship in 2016, coming back from a 3-1 defeat before golden empire warriors became the only team in NBA history to dig such a hole in the championship round.
Lakers team, Laser cutting, Dallas Mavericks And phoenix sun To be interested in trading for Irving, according to many reports. On Friday, amid the news about Irving, James posted a cryptic tweet that was interpreted by many as showing an interest in playing alongside his former teammate.
Pelinka said last month that the Lakers would be open to considering all options, including parting with the first picks in 2027 and 2029 if there was a deal that could make them a top-tier team. championship.
Russell Westbrookwho has been involved in numerous commercial rumors over the past two seasons and the $47 million deal is sure to be part of the framework for any deal involving Irving, was asked on Saturday whether Does he feel any extra pressure as Thursday’s trading deadline approaches?
“No, I don’t,” Westbrook said Saturday. “It doesn’t depend on me. Like I said, I’ve known this is a business since I was 18, 19 years old, ever since I got into it. My dad taught me that at that age. , participating in this tournament is a business, and people make whatever decisions they make. And I will make sure I stay ready and professional, as I always have been and always will be. .”
After being listed as problematic for a non-COVID illness during Saturday’s game, Westbrook continued to play, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. He didn’t play the final 11 minutes, a decision Lakers coach Darvin Ham says was made by James, Anthony Davis, Patrick Beverley And Troy Brown Jr.. there was a good rhythm together in the first half before the Lakers took a 12-point lead in the third and Pelican won a 10-game losing streak.
“We find five people who have a good rhythm together, we will pursue it,” Ham said. “Like I said, there have been many times this season that Russ has been part of that group, and tonight it wasn’t.”
When Westbrook was asked why he wasn’t on the bench for long periods of time, he explained that he was riding an exercise bike to try to stay warm.
“I always cycle,” says Westbrook. “…I’ve been in it all since Day 1. I’ve got nothing. I’m very supportive. I’m a very supportive person and teammates since I joined this tournament. I compete. every night, I do my job. When they ask me, I go out and play. I don’t complain, I do what I need to do. I’m grateful for the opportunity. If my number goes up. When I call, I’m always available and if I don’t, I sit there and warm up, because I want to make sure I have a chance.”
As the trade deadline approaches, James, who is 36 points away from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time top scorer, said the rumors should not distract the Lakers from work. their. With this loss, the Lakers fell to 13th at the Western Conference with a 25-29 record.
“No problem,” James said. “It happens every year. Deals happen every year. It’s a business. You go out to play, you go out and focus and no matter what happens, you’re still a professional. “
Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She has previously covered the tournament for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on Twitter @melissarohlin.
Top stories from FOX Sports:
National Basketball Association
Kyrie Irving
Los Angeles Lakers
Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get game info, news and more
