On May 4, Beijing time, Mavericks star Irving was interviewed by Fox reporter Melissa Rohlin, who admitted that he considered reuniting with James last season, but as for why it didn't happen, he had to ask the managers and presidents. Currently, Irving's Mavericks lead the Clippers 3-2, while James' Lakers have been eliminated by the Nuggets 1-4.
"All possibilities have been considered. "He's [James] a good friend of mine, a good brother of mine, we've played side by side [with the Cavaliers], and everybody knows our great history." But there's many, many factors involved in the eventual reunion, and when it comes to this kind of business decision, you have to ask the managers, the CEOs, why something didn't work out in the end. ”
Before the trade deadline for the 2022-23 season, Irving requested a trade from the Nets, was traded by the Nets to the Mavericks, teamed up with Doncic, and completed a three-year, 126 million contract extension with the Mavericks in the offseason.
In February 2023, James was asked if Irving could help the Lakers become a championship contender, and James' response was: "It's a question. He was clearly eager to reunite with Irving with the Lakers, but the day after James' remarks, Irving was traded to the Mavericks.
"I'm grateful that someone gave me the opportunity," Irving said, "and Dallas welcomed me with open arms. For me, now is not the time to think about 'what ifs'. It's time for me to give it my all, that's what I did, it's hard to imagine the temptations and ideas in the 'what if'. ”
Now Owen has put all his energy on the Lone Ranger. "Initially, I knew [me and Doncic] were going to go through some growing pains, but I just came with the best of intentions. It's the first time I've been traded in the middle of the season and have to pick up my family, transition. But I've always respected Doncic...... He's a young player, so I know him. But I also know he's a killer on the pitch. I know when we are all healthy, I firmly believe that this combination works. ”