Kyrie Irving will be an unrestricted free-agent this summer after his short-term deal with the Dallas Mavericks came to an end, and it's been suggested that LeBron James could push again for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign him.
James is a huge admirer of Irving and the pair won an NBA Championship together back in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the first ever NBA title for the franchise, and it's been speculated ever since the two parted ways that one day they could link-up again.
Irving was wanted by James during the 2022/23 regular season, and the Lakers forward was upset when the former Brooklyn Nets star joined the Mavericks instead. But it's been suggested that James could put pressure on the front office again now that Irving is available.
The Mavericks could well try and re-sign Irving this summer as he made a positive impression after making the move. The Mavericks couldn't make the playoffs, but Irving still showcased why he's such a special player as he averaged 27 points per game after moving to Dallas.
Irving's controversial reputation is one major issue that's holding some teams back from signing him, but Undisputed's Shannon Sharpe is convinced that James will push for the Lakers to sign him again. "We always like what we know, what we don't know is what scares us," Sharpe said.
"LeBron likes playing with guys that he's played with before, that he's won with before, he understands what they're capable of doing and how to maximise their ability. LeBron won a title with Kyrie, he knows that Kyrie is dynamic and one of his greatest accomplishments is keeping him on the rails for three years.
"He's been able to get more out of Kyrie than any other player has. So I'm not surprised that LeBron wants Kyrie." However, Sharpe is also aware that due to Irving's controversies off the court it could be a major stumbling block in any deal.
"I'm also not surprised the Lakers are reluctant to say 'go and get Kyrie' given his history and what has transpired at the end of Cleveland, in Boston, in Brooklyn," Sharpe added. "That can't be overlooked. I believe that LeBron James wants Kyrie, but I don't know how it's going to work."
James pushed for Irving during the season after it transpired the forward would be leaving the Nets. The four-time NBA Champion didn't get his way, and expressed disappointment in an interview with ESPN. "I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent, but [also] someone that I had great chemistry with, and know I got great chemistry with on the floor, that can help you win championships, in my mind, in my eyes," James said.
The Lakers proved they had title potential this season after making the Western Conference Finals, but they were swept 4-0 by the Denver Nuggets to end their run. James is certain Irving can be the missing link, but it would need the approval from the front office.
