LeBron James has been recently involved in a blockbuster trade scenario. The Dallas Mavericks and point guard Kyrie Irving are trying to get the 4x NBA Champion to shift bases. Following his exit from the playoffs, James admitted that he is considering retirement, if not now then very soon. He also added that he is only competing for titles and nothing less. Dallas certainly sees potential for joining forces with him and reuniting the former teammates.
However, Shannon Sharpe of Fox Sports’ ‘Undisputed’ claimed that the Los Angeles Lakers forward may not be interested in leaving LA at all.
He said, “I don’t think LeBron James uprooted his family from Cleveland, Ohio to come out here to LA to all of a sudden say ‘you know what, I want to spend my final couple of years in Dallas. I don’t think he’s going to move further away from his family… I don’t know (about) Savannah… for what I do see, I think he likes LA.”
“I don’t think LeBron James uprooted his family from Cleveland, Ohio to come out here to LA to all of a sudden say ‘you know what, I want to spend my final couple of years in Dallas.””
Shannon Sharpe on a LeBron to the Mavs move 🗣
(via @undisputed) pic.twitter.com/t7ouSIlH6P
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 6, 2023
He further added, “Compared to LA, its (Dallas Mavericks) is hell,” highlighting the weather conditions in Dallas. His partner, Skip Bayless said, “Take it from someone who lived in Dallas for 59 years… no offense to Dallas but I’ll take LA any day or any night.” Sharpe concluded by saying he does not see LeBron James leaving the Lakers for the Mavericks at all.
A few other reasons stated by Sharpe were Bronny’s recent commitment to the University of Southern California and the fact that LA has everything LeBron can utilize for his various business ventures. LA does seem like the perfect place for James to settle down as well. But other factors such as viable trade packages and his salary could stop the acquisition from happening.
LeBron James could recruit Kyrie Irving to the Lakers instead
It is great that Kyrie Irving wants to join forces with LeBron James. The 2016 NBA Champion is yet to finalize an extension with the Mavericks as he is probably waiting for LeBron’s arrival. However, the Lakers aren’t willing to ship James to Dallas without receiving Luka Doncic in return. The Mavericks on the other hand want to create a superteam involving the three superstars.
Kyrie Irving has been recruiting LeBron James to Dallas, per @ShamsCharania
This duo, with Luka?? 😳 pic.twitter.com/rddoXRvY3g
— Different Hoops (@HoopsDifferent) June 5, 2023
LeBron could very well use this to his advantage and acquire Kyrie for the Lakers. Irving hasn’t yet committed to any contract with the Mavericks and his market value is significantly smaller. LA could offer D’Angelo Russell, Thomas Bryant, and Dennis Schröder in exchange for Irving. They could add Austin Reaves as well but following his recent stint, it is unlikely that LA will let go of him.