LeBron James Expresses Mixed Emotions Over Kyrie Irving’s Success with the Mavericks

As LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers watches his former teammate Kyrie Irving lead the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, he feels a blend of joy 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 shared 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 2014-17, reaching the Finals each year and securing the championship in 2016. This season marks Irving’s return to the playoffs’ final round.

Reflecting on their partnership, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer praised Irving’s skills on the court.

“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,” James remarked. “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.”

Irving has been a crucial second option alongside Luka Doncic during the Mavericks’ playoff run, averaging 22.8 points per game—his highest postseason average since his last season with James in Cleveland. Additionally, he’s contributed 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range.