On the “Mind The Game” podcast with JJ Redick, LeBron James expressed his frustration and admiration for his former teammate, Kyrie Irving.

“I will call Kyrie the wizard all the time. Like there was nothing on the basketball floor that Kyrie couldn’t do.”

“And sitting here watching it, you know, I’m like, I’m playing like so f***ing happy and so proud and to watch him and continue his growth and whatever the case may be. And at the same time, I’m so f***ing mad at the same time that I am not his running mate anymore. So I’m like, I just remember those times.” (0:55)

Reflecting on their time together, LeBron called Kyrie a “wizard” on the basketball court, highlighting Irving’s unparalleled skill and versatility. Despite his pride in seeing Irving’s growth and continued success, LeBron admitted feeling a mix of happiness and anger, wishing he could still be Kyrie’s running mate.

LeBron and Kyrie played together for three years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, during which they made three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and won a championship in 2016. Their partnership was one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history, combining LeBron’s all-around greatness with Kyrie’s scoring prowess and clutch performances.

LeBron’s comments could be seen as a message to the Lakers, who had the opportunity to sign Kyrie Irving this offseason. LeBron reportedly pushed for the Lakers to acquire Irving, but the team was hesitant to offer Kyrie a four-year deal. Instead, the Lakers opted to retain Austin Reaves and Max Christie, prioritizing their young talent and future flexibility over reuniting LeBron with his former teammate.

Irving has been exceptional during the playoffs, leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. His postseason performance has been outstanding, averaging 22.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. Irving’s ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments has been a key factor in the Mavericks’ success.

As Irving prepares to face the Boston Celtics in the Finals, LeBron can’t help but wonder what might have been if they were still teammates. The duo’s history of success together and their complementary playing styles make it easy to imagine the Lakers making a deeper playoff run with Irving in the lineup.

LeBron’s wistful comments underscore the deep respect and admiration he has for Kyrie, as well as the lingering “what if” scenario of what they could achieve together in today’s NBA.

While LeBron focuses on his own journey with the Lakers, it’s clear that the bond and on-court chemistry he shared with Kyrie remains a significant and cherished part of his career. As fans watch Irving’s Finals performance, they’ll also be reminded of the special connection between these two basketball greats.

The Lakers Would Be In The NBA Finals If They Had Kyrie Irving
The Lakers would be in the NBA Finals this year if they had Kyrie Irving. While Austin Reaves has been a great player for the Lakers, he doesn’t possess the same shot-making ability and playoff experience as Irving. A trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving would be formidable and likely dominant in the Western Conference.

The Lakers were knocked out in the first round against the Denver Nuggets in five games. Two of these games were decided by two points, both of which went against the Lakers. In those tight moments, Irving’s ability to create his own shot and perform under pressure could have been the difference maker.

In the playoffs, teams need players who can generate their own offense at any given moment. LeBron and Davis were excellent, but neither has the same shot-creating prowess as Irving. Kyrie’s skill set, which includes an elite handle, the ability to hit difficult shots, and a knack for performing in clutch situations, would have added a critical dimension to the Lakers’ offense.

D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves provided solid guard play throughout the season, but Irving’s impact would have been on another level. Russell had his share of inconsistent performances, which hurt the Lakers at crucial times. Irving’s consistency and ability to take over games would have given the Lakers a more reliable third option behind LeBron and Davis.

Irving’s playoff experience is another invaluable asset. He has been to the NBA Finals multiple times and has performed exceptionally well under the bright lights. His presence would have alleviated some of the pressure on LeBron and Davis, allowing them to play more freely and effectively.

The Lakers’ decision not to acquire Irving might have been influenced by concerns over his contract demands or off-court issues. However, from a purely basketball standpoint, his addition would have significantly increased their chances of making a deep playoff run. With Irving, the Lakers would have had the firepower and versatility needed to overcome the Nuggets and potentially other tough opponents on their way to the NBA Finals.

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