After a disappointing end to this season with the Celtics, Kyrie Irving might be ready to reunite with LeBron James. Though the two stars didn't leave Cleveland on the best of terms, time and distance has mellowed the animosity between Irving and James, and rumors claim that Irving has been looking at Los Angeles as a possible landing spot. Brian Windhorst of ESPN said that the Lakers are on Irving's list in a recent radio show. "As time passes here, I would’ve said that this is impossible for many months. But as time passes here and as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting—that door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open," he said. "It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it’s on Kyrie’s radar, it’s on Kyrie’s board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers.” All reports point toward the Celtics wanting to keep Kyrie, in spite of rumors of locker room dysfunction. However, the Nets are currently the odds-on favorites to land Irving this offseason. Irving has remained quiet about the situation, only speaking out when he feels like the press is overreacting to his every move. He recently told a camera man that he's "not going to miss this sh*t" when he was through playing, referring to the constant media attention.<doc-sep>Kyrie Irving and LeBron James went through one of the most public teammate divorces less than two years ago when Irving requested a trade from James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, but they could be headed for a reunion. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst — one of the foremost LeBron Whisperers — Irving is growing more open to the possibility of signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. "I would’ve said that this is impossible for many months,” Windhorst said on ESPN radio. “But as time passes here and as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting—that door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open," he said. "It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it’s on Kyrie’s radar, it’s on Kyrie’s board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers.” With the Celtics’ disastrous end to the season, there has been plenty of chatter about Irving leaving in free agency, although most of rumors have him headed to the New York Knicks instead. Rejoining LeBron would be quite the turnaround. Why did Kyrie leave in the first place? Irving’s trade request in July 2017 shocked the sports world in part because he and LeBron had just won Cleveland’s first title a year earlier. There were several factors that led to Irving’s departure, and one of them was that he saw the writing on the wall for James’ departure. Irving didn’t want to get left behind in Cleveland without him, and he found a new contender to play with in Boston. Irving was also excited for an opportunity to lead a team that was his own, as he always played in James’ shadow in Cleveland. However, he got a taste of teammates not living up to his expectations, which led him call LeBron and apologize for their initial falling out. Kyrie Irving (left) could reunite with LeBron James (right) on the Lakers. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) How would Kyrie fit on the Lakers? The Lakers have long been looking for a second star to pair with LeBron, and at this point they can’t be too picky about which All-Star they can land. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard seemed destined to land in LA, but neither ended up donning purple and gold. Story continues And now that the organization has found its next head coach — the Lakers officially hired former Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel on Saturday afternoon, signing him to a three-year deal — it will undoubtedly turn its attention to landing at least one big name in free agency. Irving would be a bona fide star who has already proven he can play well next to James. Furthermore, outside shooting was a major issue for the Lakers — they were 29th in 3-point shooting — and Irving has shot above 40 percent from beyond the arc in each of the last three seasons. Adding Irving would also free up the Lakers to trade Lonzo Ball for a proven contributor, although at 6-foot-6, Ball has the height to play alongside another point guard. Lakers fans can dream of a LeBron-Kyrie-AD Big Three, but Irving would be a great starting point. More from Yahoo Sports:<doc-sep>Brian Windhorst and Jackie MacMullan separately suggested there is a possibility of Kyrie Irving signing with the Los Angeles Lakers to reunite with LeBron James. Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 at least in part because he no longer wanted to play with James. "As time passes here, I would have said this was impossible for many months," said Brian Windhorst. "But as time passes here and the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers' coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting is.. you know that door which was deadbolted has been un-deadbolted and is now cracked open. "Definitely, no question. No question about that," replied Jackie MacMullan. "Might even be opening more by the day. I just think it's on Kyrie's radar. It's on Kyrie's board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers. But as you said it's pretty difficult to read him. "I asked him point-blank, Brian. I asked him this very question," said MacMullan. "I said, 'you know what everybody's saying, Kyrie, they're saying now you're going to go back with LeBron'. "And he looked at me and he laughed. I said 'Is that a yes or a no?' "And he laughed again and he put his arm around me and then he left. So determine that what you may. That was three weeks ago. Three or four weeks ago. So everything is in play with him right now." Irving has also been linked with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, while re-signing with the Boston Celtics remains a distinct possibility as well.<doc-sep>Jae C. Hong/Associated Press The dream of a LeBron James-Kyrie Irving reunion in Los Angeles is apparently not happening. "From what I'm told, it's not going to happen. I got a text message from folks close to Kyrie's family, within the hour, as we were teasing this subject. Quote: 'There is no way in Hell he's going to LA. I don't give a damn what anybody says, knock that down for us right now please. He ain't going to LA.' That's what they say," Stephen A. Smith relayed Monday on First Take. "From everything that I've been hearing over the last few days, Kyrie Irving is heading to New York City. Kyrie Irving is heading to Madison Square Garden with Kevin Durant. People in his inner circle are trying to bring the Nets into the mix, but clearly New York is the destination." ESPN's Brian Windhorst previously said it's become a possibility that James and Irving team up with the Lakers. "I would've said that this is impossible for many months," Windhorst said on ESPN radio. "But as time passes here and, as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting—that door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open," he said. "It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it's on Kyrie’s radar, it's on Kyrie's board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers." While the fracture between James and Irving appears to have healed, it was always a little farfetched to think Irving would sign in Los Angeles. That would essentially be a full mea culpa for his trade request from the Cleveland Cavaliers, a full admission that he was wrong to get out of James' shadow. Video Play Button Videos you might like Irving's a self-reflecting sort, but that move would take a massive swallowing of pride whereas teaming with Kevin Durant wouldn't affect the ego and makes a ton of sense. The two are close friends off the court, have a major market waiting with open arms and could add a third star via trade this summer. The Knicks are in a position to theoretically sign Durant and Irving, then trade for another All-Star like Anthony Davis or Bradley Beal. The Lakers would probably be better served focusing their attention on Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker and Jimmy Butler, who are all more viable options. Leonard, in particular, would be a major coup, especially after his ascent to basketball royalty in Toronto this season. Irving and James are probably better off being the couple that remains friendly after the divorce than the one that walks down the aisle for a second time.<doc-sep>
BOSTON (CBS) –No one knows where Kyrie Irving will end up this offseason. Heck, Kyrie probably doesn’t even know yet. Many believe Irving is done wearing a Celtics uniform and will spurn Boston after he opts out of the final year of his contract. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are among the favorites to sign the New Jersey native, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst thinks Irving may head West for a reunion with his old pal, LeBron James. Yep, Kyrie would reportedly be OK with being LeBron’s sidekick once again, even if that’s the reason he forced his way out of Cleveland two years ago. “I would’ve said that this is impossible for many months, but as time passes here and as the possibility exists that Jason Kidd could be hired as the Lakers coach, I think the possibility of Kyrie and LeBron reuniting — that door, which was deadbolted, has been un-deadbolted and has now been cracked open,” Windhorst said on ESPN radio (as transcribed by The Washington Post). “It might even be opening more by the day. And I say that just because I think it’s on Kyrie’s radar, it’s on Kyrie’s board. He has had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers.” The Lakers hired Kidd to be Frank Vogel’s top assistant over the weekend, which could open the door for Irving to reunite with James. Los Angeles is coming off a disappointing season where they missed the playoffs, and will likely be looking to make a big move to surround James with more talent. Given Irving called James in January to apologize for the way things ended in Cleveland, the duo teaming up again wouldn’t be a complete shock anymore. We’ll see how it all shakes out when the calendar flips to July. But if anything is certain, we’re in for another wild NBA offseason.