Warning: Story/video contains coarse language
As Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James watches former teammate Kyrie Irving help lead the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, he experiences a mix of delight and frustration.
“Sitting here watching it, I’m like … so fucking happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth and whatever the case may be,” James said on his “Mind The Game” podcast with JJ Redick. “And at the same time, I am so fucking mad at the same time that I am not his running mate anymore.”
James and Irving played together for three seasons from 2014-2017, reaching the Finals each year and securing a championship in 2016. This year marks Irving’s first return to the playoffs’ final round since then.
Reflecting on their time together, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer praised the eight-time All-Star guard’s skills.
“I have so many words to praise Kyrie that I end up with absolutely none, because it’s just, it’s so – he’s the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen,” said James. “He has the best gifts I’ve ever seen of any NBA player. I’ve never seen a guy in my NBA life that feels better at times shooting with his off hand than he does with his primary hand.”
During the Mavericks’ playoff run, Irving has been an effective second option alongside Luka Doncic, averaging 22.8 points per game. This is his highest postseason average since his last season in Cleveland with LeBron. Irving has also contributed 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range.
