LeBron James and Kyrie Irving’s years in Cleveland were arguably the best in franchise history. During the four years they played together after LeBron’s return to his home state, the duo achieved the franchise’s only championship after overcoming a 1-3 deficit in the Finals, won three division titles, and made three consecutive trips to the Finals, establishing themselves as the kings of the East.
In a recent episode of the “Mind the Game Pod,” LeBron James discussed the gifts and growth of Kyrie Irving since his departure from Cleveland in 2017, following a Finals loss to the “super” Golden State Warriors featuring Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. LeBron referred to Kyrie as “the wizard,” stating, “There was nothing on a basketball court that Kyrie couldn’t do.” Reflecting on Kyrie’s success since their split, LeBron expressed pride and happiness but also regret, saying, “I’m so fking happy and so proud of his growth,” yet lamenting, “I’m so fking mad that I’m not his running mate anymore, I just remember those times.” Their partnership on the court was indeed poetic.
Since parting ways, LeBron has thrived in Los Angeles, winning his fourth championship and Finals MVP in 2020. Despite his team’s subsequent struggles in a loaded and competitive Western Conference, he remains one of the top 10 players in the NBA, showcasing remarkable athleticism despite being the league’s oldest player.
Kyrie, on the other hand, is back in the Finals for the first time since his Cleveland days, having lost with the Celtics to LeBron in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals in a seven-game series with a rookie Jayson Tatum on his side. After just two seasons he leaves Boston for Brooklyn, where injuries and COVID-19 vaccination issues limited his playing time alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden. Last year, he joined Dallas and Luka Doncic, playing just 20 games and missing the playoffs. In the offseason, Dallas was discounted to the point where sportsbooks gave them 25/1 odds to win the Championship and look at them now, silencing the doubters.
Seeing LeBron and Kyrie play together again would be incredible. The most plausible scenario would likely involve LeBron joining Dallas in his final years, as it’s doubtful that Kyrie would leave Luka and Dallas after their strong season. Many fans, like myself, are truly hoping to see them reunite on the court one more time.
