On the latest episode of the ‘Mind The Game’ podcast, LA Lakers star LeBron James did not hold back while talking about the missed opportunity of playing with former teammate and Dallas Mavericks’ star Kyrie Irving. LeBron had glowing words of appreciation for Kyrie and even called him a “wizard.” James expressed his respect for the player but also took a dig at criticizing Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office for failing to get Kyrie on board.

LeBron said, “There was nothing on the basketball floor that Kyrie couldn’t do. And sitting here watching it, I’m playing like so f**king happy and so proud. And to watch him continue his growth or whatever the case may be. At the same time, I’m so f**king mad that I’m not his running mate anymore.” Unfortunately for LeBron, his opportunity to play with the “wizard” was passed up by the Lakers last year.

The Lakers reportedly wanted to sign Irving to a 2-year, $80 million extension, but the player wanted to opt out and become a free agent and seek a four-year deal. Naturally, the team was worried about the risk of Irving dropping the ball and leaving. On top of that, they didn’t want to risk trading Austin Reaves and Max Christie if Kyrie wasn’t willing to sign the extension. And so the deal did not pan out and Irving ended up in Dallas.

“What he did in game 1 of the western conference finals, that was like, oh sh*t, Dallas may be able to, not only win the western conference finals, they might be able to win the whole thing, because of that wild card,” LeBron continued, reflecting on Irving’s performance in the opening round of the Western Conference Finals. “I have so many words to praise Kyrie that I end up with absolutely none,” King James was in complete awe.

His comments reflect his deep admiration and respect for Irving and highlight their dynamic chemistry of the past. The duo led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2016. But their relationship hasn’t always been one of mutual admiration.

LeBron James & Kyrie Irving’s complicated relationship

One of the most fascinating dynamics in recent NBA history is the relationship between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. In search of titles and a fresh challenge, LeBron departed the Cleveland Cavaliers after making his debut with the organization in 2003 to join the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers were left to rebuild in the interim, and they selected Kyrie Irving in the 2011 NBA Draft—a bright young talent who established himself right away.

When LeBron came back to Cleveland in 2014, Irving had already established himself as the team’s face. He had just won the All-Star Game MVP and was leading a team that had become his own. But with LeBron’s return, the dynamics of the Cavs were completely altered. Not only did they now have the biggest name in the league, but they also welcomed Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves, forming a new Big Three. The first season was difficult for the Big Three and they could not find their chemistry. But their second season was historic. In 2016, LeBron and Kyrie led the Cavs to their first Championship against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron received much of the credit and while deserved, his glory overshadowed young Kyrie, who also played an undeniable role in the team’s victory.

LeBron and Kyrie’s relationship started to falter despite their success. After the Cavaliers were defeated by the Warriors in the 2017 Finals, Kyrie asked to be traded. Reportedly, he desired to be the star of his team and not to be in LeBron’s shadow. Cleveland traded him to the Boston Celtics in August 2017. After the trade, their strained relationship got worse; both players took indirect jabs at one another. There were even rumors that Kyrie never wanted LeBron to come back to the Cavs.

In the 2018-19 season, there were signs of reconciliation. Irving revealed that he had reached about to LeBron to apologise. “It was a big deal for me because I had to call Bron and tell him like, ‘I apologize for being that young player that wanted everything at his fingertips,'” Irving said. “I wanted to be the guy who led us to championships. I wanted to be the leader. I wanted to be all that.” He continued, “The responsibility of being the best player in the world and leading a team is something that’s not meant for many people. Bron was one of those guys who came to Cleveland and tried to really show us what it was like to win a championship.”

King James has definitely forgiven Kyrie. The duo’s complex relationship has grown over the years and developed into a beautiful bond; one synonymous with mutual respect. While their on-court partnership is a thing of the past, fans can only hope to see another glimpse of their chemistry once again.