NBA insider reveals Kyrie Irving's emotional bond with Luka Doncic that has survived blockbuster trade to Lakers

Former Dallas Mavericks teammates Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic have remained close even after the Texan franchise split them up and traded Doncic to the LA Lakers in a deal that sent 2020 NBA champion Anthony Davis to American Airlines Center. This pair went all the way to the 2024 NBA Finals, where the Boston Celtics took them out in five games.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported on Wednesday that the bond between Irving and Doncic is still strong and that the former Cleveland Cavaliers star has been constantly checking on the Slovenian player throughout this process.

“Kyrie Irving has stayed in touch with [Luka] Doncic since the trade, checking on his emotional state more than anything. He feels protective of Doncic,” Shelburne wrote.

Kyrie Irving went from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline after a tumultuous tenure at Barclays Center. They missed the playoffs in the first season, went all the way to the Finals the following year, and now didn't have the best chances to advance to the postseason.

"I don't think he expected the change, and I think that's probably what leads to him feeling his emotions even more so in a deeper way," Irving told Shelburne. "Rejection, I think that's a strong word ... but sometimes it can feel like that.

"You got to go through your process of grieving. Grieving ... is not a word we use in NBA circles -- it's like, 'Just be tough, bro.' Everybody expects you to turn over the next page and get over it. The reality is, man, we're human too."

Once Nico Harrison shipped Luka Doncic to the Lakers, many showed their disagreement with the decision. Irving was vocal about it, lamenting that Doncic wasn't his partner anymore, but he's tried to be present for the Slovenian while things go back to normal.

Kyrie Irving reflected on "awkward" first matchup against Luka Doncic

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic formed a terrific bond during the two years they spent together in Dallas. The 2016 NBA champion didn't plan to lose that so soon, admitting he felt awkward facing off against Doncic, just like they did in practice.

More than that, he talked about his friendship with the former EuroLeague champion, saying he's trying to protect him.

“For me, I think there was respect there before playing together,” Irving said, per Lakers Nation. “But playing with him, he’s just an innocent kid. Ultra talented. Whole world is in front of him. You want to protect people like that too. Because I feel like sometimes people come at him crazy. And he responds in his own way.

“He’s not from America. He’s not used to the culture here. My goal is to just protect him. That’s why it goes deeper than basketball.”

Luka Doncic had a message to send on Tuesday and made a statement against the Dallas Mavericks, posting a triple-double to give the Lakers their 35th win of the season. Kyrie Irving had 35 points in the 107-99 loss.