Mavs’ Kyrie Irving appreciative of LeBron James’ compliments

In the pre-match conference on the eve of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving wasn’t expecting that the first question would be about LeBron James praising him in a recent podcast rather than about the Boston Celtics.

James said Irving is the most gifted player in the NBA and has played a key role in taking the Mavericks to the NBA finals. 

Meanwhile, James observed Irving from close quarters while playing with him for the Cleveland Cavaliers. James and Irving played three seasons together with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to ’17 season. The duo made it to three consecutive Finals and won the title in 2016, with Irving scoring the title-clinching 3-pointer in Game 7 to beat the Golden State Warriors.

“Is that the first question?” Irving said when asked about James’ recent podcast comments stating he is “f—ing mad” to not be teaming up with the eight-time All-Star any longer. “Oh, God, I love it. Got to love this, man.”

It has been seven seasons since James and Irving played together. However, Irving reckons his relationship with the veteran has gone from strength to strength in the last few years.

“Obviously, I’m in a different age, different place in my life. So is he. I think we both have been able to mature and really appreciate what we got a chance to accomplish,” Irving said. “I think there were some things that got in the way of our relationship when I was a little bit younger. Now that I’m able to vocalize how I feel as a man, be comfortable in it, stand on my square, my beliefs, where I’m coming from, I feel like our relationship’s different because of that now.”

Irving revealed he misses the old times that he spent with James at the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Definitely miss him,” Irving said. “Man, when he says comments like that, I think back to us having those moments where we’re down in a series, up in a series, we’re really demanding greatness from each other. Off the court, our families meshing well. … I definitely think about those times.”

Irving is averaging 22.8 points in the NBA playoffs this season. The first game of the NBA finals will be played on Thursday.