Kyrie Irving‘s decision of requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets was perhaps the golden opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to strengthen their roster. However, the deal went in the favor of the Dallas Mavericks instead, thus thoroughly disappointing LeBron James?and Lakers fans. Acquiring Irving would have given the Lakers a fighting chance this season but failing to do so has seemingly led the Lakers superstar to blame himself. However, several contradicting reports now suggest that the blame might belong with the Lakers’ front office.

The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks before the February 9 trade deadline. As per reports by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Mavs traded Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick. Additionally, the Mavs also included their 2027 and 2029 second-rounders in the deal. Furthermore, the Nets included forward Markieff Morris in the Irving deal.

LeBron James is perhaps not to be blamed for the failed Kyrie Irving deal

After the deal with the Mavs was finalized, LeBron James shared a cryptic three-word tweet that suggested the 4x NBA champion blamed himself for the failed deal. Earlier in 2019, it was LeBron who had suggested the Anthony Davis trade and the front office had complied with his request. However, the aftermath of the Russell Westbrook trade, which James’ had suggested as well, possibly put a dent in the relationship between James and GM Rob Pelinka. This is perhaps why the 19x NBA All-Star blamed himself.

However, conflicting reports indicated that not James, but the Lakers’ front office are to be blamed for the failed trade deal. Two different sources have revealed two contrasting reasons surrounding the Lakers’ offer to the Nets. Matt Moore of Action Network shared that the Lakers were unwilling to include their two future picks in the trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

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Whereas, Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report informed that the Lakers did in fact include their first-round picks for Irving.

Given the duality of the situation, fans are skeptical to believe either of the sources.

Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LouAyeBurner/status/1622377026471530503?s=20&t=DIYlI8Nk80LSPBTx3CmpkQ

https://twitter.com/LouAyeBurner/status/1622416814746619905?s=20&t=2fClqZsmssVzC5K5ghWfcg

https://twitter.com/Cant_guuard_me/status/1622398201738190849?s=20&t=DIYlI8Nk80LSPBTx3CmpkQ

Kyrie Irving joins the Mavs after contract talks with the Nets

The former Brooklyn Nets star put the NBA world in shock when he requested a trade. Irving had reportedly failed to reach a contract extension agreement with the Nets. The franchise had apparently offered him a contract with certain stipulations, that Irving could not agree with.

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Therefore, given the circumstances, the 2016 NBA champion put in a trade request. Irving also made it clear that in case the team is unable to trade him before the deadline, he would leave in free agency in the summer.

Who do you think is to blame for the Lakers missing out on Kyrie Irving? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.