The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to maintain their momentum this season, while the Dallas Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving, have secured a spot in the NBA Finals. As Irving prepares for his first NBA Finals appearance since 2017, his former teammate LeBron James has openly expressed how much he misses playing alongside him.
In this week’s episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, LeBron shared his admiration and regret, calling Irving the “most gifted player the NBA has ever seen.”
“[I’m] so f*cking happy to watch him continue his growth, and at the same time, I’m so f*cking mad that I am not his running mate anymore. He’s the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen,” James said.
Irving’s journey with the Mavericks has been remarkable, and his growth this season has silenced his critics, including long-time critic Stephen A. Smith.
Irving’s athleticism was particularly evident in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Throughout the series, he accumulated an impressive 135 points, 18 rebounds, and 23 assists. His stellar performance was crucial in propelling the Mavericks into the NBA Finals after 13 years.
How Many Seasons Did LeBron James and Kyrie Irving Play Together?
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving played three seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to 2017, creating a dynamic partnership that captivated fans. Their on-court chemistry led the Cavaliers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, culminating in a historic championship win in 2016.
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Nevertheless, the duo’s time together ended when Irving requested a trade out of Cleveland in the summer of 2017. He eventually joined the Boston Celtics, and the two have not played together since then.
Apart from teammates, they have faced each other 16 times as opponents in NBA games. LeBron held a 12-4 winning record over Irving in those matchups.
