(CNN)LeBron James admits he is "definitely disappointed" that the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to acquire Kyrie Irving in a trade, with the former Brooklyn Nets guard instead being dealt to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
James and Irving previously enjoyed great success playing together at the Cleveland Cavaliers between 2014 and 2017, reaching the NBA Finals in all three of the seasons they were teammates and winning the title in 2016.
"I can't sit here and say I'm not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent," James told ESPN on Monday. "But [also] someone that I had great chemistry with and know I got great chemistry with on the floor, that can help you win championships, in my mind, in my eyes.
"But my focus is shifted now. My focus is shifted back to where it should be and that's this club now and what we have in the locker room."
The Lakers have endured a torrid season so far, racking up another defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday as the team languishes in 13th in the Western Conference.
The 'Big Three' of James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook was supposed to signal the start of another title challenge, but the trio have consistently struggled together with Westbrook being relegated to a bench role this season.