Los Angeles Lakers talisman LeBron James is proud to note Kyrie Irving’s growth in the recent past. Irving has played a key role in taking the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA finals as he has formed a lethal partnership with Luka Doncic.
Meanwhile, James observed Irving from close quarters while playing with him for the Cleveland Cavaliers. James and Irving played three seasons together with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to ’17 season. The duo made it to three consecutive Finals and won the title in 2016, with Irving scoring the title-clinching 3-pointer in Game 7 to beat the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers veteran also said he feels mad that Irving is no longer his teammate in the NBA.
“I’m so f—ing happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth,” James told his co-host, JJ Redick, on an episode of their “Mind the Game” podcast released Tuesday. “I’m so f—ing mad at the same time that I’m not his running mate anymore.”
“I just remember those times,” James said.
Earlier, James wanted the Lakers to sign the services of Irving but they could not close the deal as Kyrie went to Dallas.
“I can’t sit here and say I’m not disappointed on not being able to land such a talent, 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,” James told ESPN’s Michael Wilbon last February.
James feels Irving’s presence makes Dallas Mavericks equal title contenders against the Boston Celtics.
“That was like, ‘Oh s—, Dallas may be able to not only win the Western Conference finals, they might be able to win the whole thing,'” James said. “Because of that [Irving] wild card. … He’s the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen.”
“To have a guy like Kyrie Irving as the ultimate wild card,” James said. “It’s like having a Draw 4 in your hand every time someone deals you cards in Uno.”
Irving is averaging 22.8 points in the NBA playoffs this season. The first game of the NBA finals will be played on Thursday.
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