LeBron James was anticipating a reunion.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar told ESPN's Michael Wilbon in a sit-down interview Monday that he was hoping his team would land All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who won a championship as James' teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
"Well, definitely disappointed," James said about his reaction to the Lakers not trading for Irving. "I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent, someone I had great chemistry with on the floor that can help you win championships - in my mind, in my eyes."
The Dallas Mavericks reportedly agreed to acquire Irving from the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, sending Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and multiple second-rounders to Brooklyn.
The Lakers reportedly made offers for the star, putting their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks on the table in a package that included Russell Westbrook. Brooklyn requested additional pick swaps and young players before ultimately electing to take the Mavericks' offer instead.
James said he saw potential in bringing Irving aboard but tried to temper his expectations given the uncertain nature of trade rumors.
"I don't get too excited about the possibilities of things that can be," James said. "I kind of envision myself on what it can, but I don't invest all the way into it until I know it's happening."
The 38-year-old added that with L.A. no longer in the running to acquire Irving, he's shifted his focus back to his goal of leading the Lakers' current roster to the postseason. They're currently 25-29, two games out of position to make the Play-In Tournament.
"We move on, and we finish the season strong, try to get a bid into the postseason where I feel if we go in healthy, we can compete with anybody," James said.