LeBron James and Kyrie Irving spent three seasons together on the Cleveland Cavaliers, from 2014 to 2017. They formed an iconic duo that led the team to three straight NBA Finals appearances. Their biggest achievement came in 2016, when they secured an NBA title. However, their partnership ended in 2017 when Irving requested a trade, eventually landing with the Boston Celtics.
Despite going their separate ways, James and Irving have always expressed mutual respect for one another. Yet, that respect sometimes gives way to heated competition when they face off on the court.
A prime example of this occurred during a 2021 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets when a moment of trash-talking between the two former teammates went viral.
During the game, after James missed a free throw, Irving couldn’t resist taking a shot at him.
“That’s your best free throw shooter?” Irving was heard saying,
James, who wants to own an NBA team, isn’t one to back down, and he quickly fired back in response to Irving’s remark.
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“Shut your lil a** up,” James said.
Kyrie Irving Reflects on His Partnership with LeBron James
Kyrie Irving’s time playing alongside LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers is often remembered as legendary. Even after parting ways, Irving has consistently expressed his respect for the Lakers star and the lessons he learned from him.
During an interview with SLAM, Irving reflected on the impact James had on his development as a player.
“Being around a great player, especially of his stature, for a certain amount of days consistently, if you don’t get better, then I feel like you’re kind of wasting a lot of your time and talent. I take it as a unique opportunity to develop as well as continue to grow in my quest to greatness,” Kyrie said.
“I have a lot of great mentors and a lot of great people that I’m around every single day that I’m very thankful for,” he added.
Both represent their team as a title contender each season. Nevertheless, the chemistry they formed during their Cavaliers careers will always be remembered.
