"Always believed and knew he was so much more and deeper than just a phenomenal basketball player!" - LeBron James commends 7x All-Star for his personal growth
LeBron James heaped high praise on his former teammate Kyrie Irving in a recent tweet. James and Irving won a championship together for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Earlier in the offseason, rumors linked the seven-time All-Star to the Lakers, but all of that fizzled out.
Even years after parting ways, Irving and James share a ton of mutual respect. James once again showcased that as he responded to a tweet from his friend Cuffs the legend, who shared his thoughts about Irving. James' tweet read:
"He's truly so misunderstood! I love seeing his growth as well throughout the years! Always believed and knew he was so much more and deeper than just a phenomenal basketball player!"
Kyrie Irving is one of the most fascinating/polarizing people alive. He’s still trying to figure this shit out, just like most of us are and it’s a dope story to watch. True rebel. You can see the growth. Dope episode #TheShop
LeBron James has been a massive part of Irving's career. Prior to the four-time champion's arrival in Cleveland, Irving was ascending into a star in the league. However, it was with James that he was able to win a championship and cement himself as one of the best players.
I know I keep saying it but I miss Kyrie Irving and Lebron James together😭https://t.co/XsUQzboAP9
In a few of his recent podcast appearances, Irving shared his appreciation of LeBron James. Although they played only three seasons together, the duo helped the Cavs get to three consecutive finals and one championship.
How good were LeBron James and Kyrie Irving together as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 after winning two championships with the Miami Heat. Kyrie Irving was playing at an elite level, but that wasn't cutting it for the team. That was where James came in and turned the tables for the Cavs.
Dear Jeanie,
Do whatever it takes to get Kyrie Irving and LeBron James back together ⭐️ https://t.co/iichRJiADM
After being deprived of a spot in the playoffs for four years, the Cavaliers finished second in the East in 2014-15. Irving looked like a completely different player as he had a lot more freedom with James by his side.
In their very first year as a duo, the Cavs reached the finals. They faced a young Golden State Warriors team, led by MVP Steph Curry.
People forget how good LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are together https://t.co/qWAtAKtUH7
In Game 1 of the finals, Irving injured his kneecap and was indefinitely ruled out of the series. To their dismay, Kevin Love also suffered an injury early in the playoffs. This left James without his main supporting cast in the finals.
Despite putting up a good fight, the Warriors proved to be too good for the Cavs and won 4-2. However, there were high expectations from the Cavs the following season. With all their players available, the team wrecked havoc in the East and finished as the top seed.
Irving and James were unstoppable in the playoffs. The Cavaliers reached their second straight NBA Finals where their opponents were once again the Warriors. The Dubs were easily the best team that year as they finished with a league-best record of 73-9.
Tough competition was expected, but the Warriors looked determined to win their second consecutive title and got off to a 3-1 lead. It looked like things were over, but that was when James and Irving showcased what they were capable of.
The duo scored 41 points each in Game 5 to help the Cavs make a comeback in the series. It was the first time that two teammates scored over 40 points in a finals game. A lot still remained to be done. They won Game 6 as well. This meant that the series was to be decided in Game 7 at the Oracle Arena.
Both teams had a lot of pressure going into the game. With less than two minutes remaining, the score was tied at 89. The Warriors went into transition and Andre Iguodala had a chance for what looked like an easy dunk.
Welcome to the 40/40 Club! 🔥
Six years ago today, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving dropped 41 points each in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to kickstart the Cavaliers 3-1 comeback over the Warriors. https://t.co/zAahtUs9Pp
However, LeBron James pulled off a chasedown block to keep the scores level. Irving backed that up with a clutch 3-point shot over Curry to help the Cavs win their first championship.
The duo helped the Cavaliers get to the NBA Finals the following season as well. But the Warriors got their revenge and won 4-1. Irving and James did their best, but with Kevin Durant in the Warriors, the duo stood no chance.
Kyrie Irving says he called LeBron James after the Celtics’ loss to the Magic to apologize for “being that young player that wanted everything at his fingertips.” Naturally, there were a lot of follow-up q’s and he told us all to relax. https://t.co/d4zeRKUbA5
Following the loss, Kyrie Irving decided to take his talents to the Boston Celtics. LeBron James tried to stop the seven-time All-Star, but Irving had his mind set on leaving. They will always be remembered as one of the greatest duos in NBA history.