Why Lakers’ LeBron James is ‘f**king happy, mad’ about Kyrie Irving’s NBA Finals trip

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving share a special history. The two star players paired up to bring the Cleveland Cavaliers their first franchise title over the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Irving has a chance to make more history with the Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, and James revealed a roller coaster of emotions for his former teammates’ opportunity.

“[I’m] so f**king happy…and to watch him continue his growth… and at the same time, I’m so f**king mad that I am not his running mate anymore… He’s the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen,” James revealed, via the Mind the Game podcast.

James continued to praise Irving, saying there is “nothing he can’t do,” and describing him as a “wizard on the basketball court.” The star Lakers forward drew an intriguing analogy to capture Irving’s impact on the Mavericks amid the team’s NBA Finals journey.

“To have a guy like Kyrie Irving as the ultimate wild card, that’s like having a ‘draw four’ in your hand every time someone deals you cards in UNO. Because he has the ability to [completely change the momentum of the game].”

James alluded to Irving’s stellar performance in Game 1 of the Mavs’ Western Conference Finals matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Irving came alive in the second half and ended with 30 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Game 1 is not the only time the star guard has reached 30 or more points alongside Luka Doncic.

Irving’s shot-creating and ability to take over could allow the Mavericks to beat the odds and win their second franchise championship. James would know Irving’s abilities, considering he watched him nail a Game 7 dagger that helped the Cavs beat the Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Can Irving make a similar impact against the Boston Celtics in 2024?

Will Kyrie Irving prove Lakers’ LeBron James right?

LeBron James was arguably the best player in the NBA in 2016. Yet, he faced one of his toughest challenges that summer against Golden State. The 15-16 Warriors had come off a historical 73-9 season and were the favorites to win the Finals after their 2015 title. The trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green wanted to drown the Cavaliers’ hopes.

James did everything he could, but after his team went down 3-1, things looked grim. One of the reasons Cleveland was able to advance to the Finals and make a comeback against the Dubs was because of Kyrie Irving. In addition to his clutch shot-making, Irving put up the numbers to back his impact. He averaged 25.2 points and shot a red-hot 44 percent on three-pointers throughout the 2016 postseason.

Eight years later, Irving is putting up similar numbers with the Mavericks. The 32-year-old has averaged 22.8 points on 42.1 percent point accuracy through 17 playoff games. He has helped Dallas push their ceiling, and with Luka Doncic by his side, the sky is truly the limit.

Of course, things will not be easy against their final opponent. The Boston Celtics arguably have the best starting five in the NBA. Thus, Irving and Dallas will need to lock in on both sides of the ball to come away victorious.