“Not doing it again.”: Skip Bayless Claims Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss Won’t Afford LeBron James With Another Opportunity With Superstar Point Guard

Kyrie Irving and LeBron James had perfect chemistry at the Cleveland Cavaliers. Together, they were able to claim the 2016 NBA title, which proves his affinity for playing with Kyrie. Skip Bayless feels that, once again, LeBron wants to reunite with Kyrie in Los Angeles Lakers. However, some inside sources of Skip say that Lakers management might give LeBron a tough time securing Kyrie. Kyrie Irving’s trade request by LeBron is now being compared to how Anthony Davis and James requested for Russel Westbrook. Westbrook was acquired to boost the Lakers’ roster during the offseason. However, Westbrook was later traded for D’Angelo Russell from the Timberwolves.  This information was revealed to him by inside sources, which Skip finds puzzling.

Kyrie Irving would boost the Lakers’ roster after their Western Conference Finals upset against Denver Nuggets. Fans still wish once again to witness the championship-winning chemistry between Irving and James, both being two greats of the game in the present era.

Skip Bayless feels LeBron James’ wish to acquire Kyrie Irving might be hindered by GM Rob Pelinka and executive Jeanie Buss

Skip Bayless believes that if LeBron gets his choice with the Lakers roster building around him, the team might have a good chance for another championship campaign. He also points out how having Kyrie would give LeBron the leverage of being the ultimate voice in the dressing room. This is one of the reasons why he is leaning toward the deal, to monumentalize.

“Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are gonna say: ‘LeBron, we gave you Russ, we’re not gonna give you Kyrie back. Not doing it again.'”

— @RealSkipBayless comments on latest Kyrie to Lakers speculation pic.twitter.com/Zt0fd8M56i

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) June 1, 2023

However, GM Rob Pelinka and executive Jeanie Buss think this would ultimately be detrimental to the team. For this, Skip gives the example of acquiring Russel Westbrook in 2021. In the latest episode of Undisputed, he said:

“What happened? Russel Westbrook happened. And I don’t know the exact details of this but it has been widely reported that LeBron pushed for us [Lakers getting Westbrook] and that Anthony Davis was right there pushing for us. Of all the basketball decisions LeBron has made, that jars me the most.” 

As Skip highlights, Jeanie and Rob Pelinka are aware of these detrimental effects on the team. Even Shannon Sharpe, an avid supporter of LeBron, agreed with Skip on this. This is one of the reasons behind their not pursuing Kyrie. Skip further added:

“Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are gonna say, ‘LeBron, we gave you Russ, we’re not gonna give you Kyrie back. Not doing it again.'”

Bayless highlights Lakers pulled a coup to get rid of Russel Westbrook

Skip Bayless elaborated on how the Lakers management traded Russel Westbrook for three great players, including D’Angelo Russel. He highlights how having Westbrook was not doing any good to the Lakers team, given he couldn’t strike the exact chemistry he was supposed to. Skip calls Westbrook’s trade a ‘miraculous exit,’ which would help him earn executive of the year.

Ultimately, the executives do not want to be on the fence, giving in to LeBron’s demands.