{"id":80292,"date":"2024-06-04T17:24:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T21:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=80292"},"modified":"2024-06-04T17:24:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T21:24:00","slug":"lebron-james-mixed-feelings-former-running-mate-kyrie-irving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/04\/lebron-james-mixed-feelings-former-running-mate-kyrie-irving\/","title":{"rendered":"LeBron James\u2019s Mixed Feelings About Former Running Mate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kyrie Irving<\/a>\u2019s decision to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks was a shrewd one, as his redemption arc has been one of the best parts of the season.<\/p>\n

Irving didn\u2019t quite test free agency last summer, but there were plenty of people that believed he could join LeBron James<\/a> with the Los Angeles Lakers. In January, ESPN\u2019s Ramona Shelburne claimed Irving had a \u201cstrong interest<\/a>\u201d in reuniting with James. However, if the Lakers did bring him onboard, it\u2019s unclear whether Irving would\u2019ve achieved the inner peace \u2014and ultimately the improved sense of self \u2014that he has with the Mavs.<\/p>\n

LeBron James Reveals Mixed Feelings About Kyrie Irving<\/h2>\n

With any living organism, the environment that they\u2019re in affects their growth as their innate traits.<\/p>\n

In both L.A. and Dallas, there was pressure to succeed, but there would\u2019ve been more with the Lakers. The esteemed franchise has won 17 NBA championships, leading to unwieldy expectations. This cumbersome burden is then doubled because \u2014as arguably the best player of all-time \u2014James has the highest bar to reach in the league. Furthermore, because James and Irving have already proven they can win together, the failure to win a ring would be seen as an abject disappointment.<\/p>\n

The Mavs are just happy to compete. With one NBA championship, their franchise isn\u2019t expecting to run the gauntlet. Even with a Hall of Fame-caliber player like Luka Doncic<\/a>, Dallas hasn\u2019t been fixated on a dynasty. They just want to deliver at least one ring to the Wonder Kid. It\u2019s just different.<\/p>\n

All in all though, it\u2019s worked out for Irving. The Mavs organization, fan base, and media are fond of him on and off the court. This is largely due to his otherworldly ability. However, it\u2019s also because Irving\u2019s been more measured and mature. It\u2019s because he\u2019s been happier and more agreeable.<\/p>\n

It hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed. Not by anyone.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I’m so f****** happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth\u2026,\u201d James tells co-host JJ Redick on the Mind the Game<\/em> podcast. \u201cAt the same time, I’m so f****** mad that I am not his running mate anymore. I just remember those times.<\/p>\n

\n

.@KingJames<\/a> talks about the gifts and growth of his former teammate, Kyrie Irving.<\/p>\n

Full episode of Mind the Game with @jj_redick<\/a> drops tomorrow: https:\/\/t.co\/PKXXT3EcGJ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/M3uMFATEXE<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 4, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n