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LeBron James Reflects on Missing Kyrie Irving as Mavericks Star Prepares for NBA Finals

Posted : 05 June 2024

With Kyrie Irving set to play in his first NBA Finals since 2017, as the Boston Celtics host the Dallas Mavericks in Thursday's Game 1, his former teammate LeBron James has expressed just how much he misses playing with the eight-time All-Star. "I'm so f---ing happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth," James shared with his co-host, JJ Redick, on their "Mind the Game" podcast. "But I'm also so f---ing mad that I'm not his running mate anymore."

 

James and Irving had a successful three-season run with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to 2017, reaching the Finals each year and clinching the championship in 2016. Irving famously hit the game-winning 3-pointer in Game 7 to defeat the Golden State Warriors. Reflecting on those times, James fondly recalled their synergy and success on the court.

 

Irving's departure from Cleveland in 2017 was partly motivated by his desire to step out of James' shadow and showcase his own skills. He was traded to Boston, where he sought guidance from James on leadership, deepening their mutual respect.

 

Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers made a strong push to acquire Irving before he was ultimately traded to the Dallas Mavericks by the Brooklyn Nets. James, who had lobbied for Irving to join the Lakers, expressed his disappointment over the missed opportunity to reunite with his former teammate.

 

Despite the Celtics being favored in the Finals, James believes Irving's presence gives the Mavericks a significant edge. Irving's performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, where he scored 24 of his 30 points in the first half, made James reconsider Dallas' potential this postseason. "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 remarked.

 

Praising Irving's exceptional talent, James compared him to a Draw 4 card in Uno, highlighting his ability to be a game-changer for the Mavericks. Irving is currently averaging 22.8 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game this postseason, complementing Luka Doncic as the Mavericks' No. 2 option.

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