LeBron James tweet sparks NBA frenzy after Kyrie Irving trade bombshell

LeBron James has sent NBA fans into meltdown after Kyrie Irving's trade bombshell with a tweet that didn't even contain words. Irving dropped the shock news on Friday that he wants out of the Brooklyn Nets, requesting a trade before the February 9 deadline.

The 30-year-old point guard told the Nets he wants a change of scenery after four years with the team, after negotiations for a new contract didn't go to his liking. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the eight-time All-Star has told the Nets he wants to leave now in a trade, otherwise he will depart in free agency in July.

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Irving is eligible for a contract extension, but the Nets refused to give him one last summer. He is eligible for a four-year contract worth as much as $US200 million ($AU289 million).

Brooklyn are currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 31-20 record after they were thrashed 139-96 by the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. They have lost seven of their last 11 games with Kevin Durant once again sidelined due to injury.

Irving's trade bombshell immediately had fans dreaming of a reunion with LeBron. A number of leading journalists reported that the Lakers are a genuine landing spot for Irving.

Charania said a potential trade would most likely revolve around Russell Westbrook. “The Lakers are being very active for a trade overall in the market,” Charania said on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’.

“When you look at Russell Westbrook, you look at their two first-round picks, is that enough for Kyrie Irving? Do the Lakers make that offer? That’s something we’re going to have to track.”

Charania said the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are also in the mix. Dan Woike tweeted: "Fully expect the Lakers to have serious discussions about a possible Kyrie Irving trade. Reminder that his salary and Westbrook’s aren’t a match and the Nets would have to include more salary to make a trade work."

Arash Markazi wrote: "If the Lakers believe Kyrie Irving can get them back to the NBA Finals this season in a wide open West where they are just three games back of the No. 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round, they have to do it even if it means parting with two first round picks."

LeBron James wants Kyrie Irving at LA Lakers

As for LeBron, he seems on board with the idea as well. James simply tweeted an eyes emoji and a crown on Friday, leaving many to believe he was referencing Irving. The tweet had 17,000 retweets after three hours.

Irving and LeBron spent three years together at the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them win the NBA Championship in 2016. LeBron reportedly made a push for the Lakers to get Irving in July last year.

NBA insider Marc Stein said at the time that the rumours “stem from repeated rumbles in circulation that LeBron James is rooting hard for Irving’s addition to the roster. James, I’m told, wants to see Irving in Lakerland more than anyone.”

Tristan Thompson, who also played on the Cavaliers during that time, said on Friday: "I texted Kyrie, I said let's get the gang back together. Let's make it happen on the West Coast."

Irving spent two years with the Celtics before arriving in Brooklyn in 2019. He was the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

with agencies

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