Unexpectedly, Kyrie Irving finally acknowledged that LeBron James was a better player to him and…

1. In the NBA Finals, Irving and the Dallas Mavericks are competing. The Boston Celtics, Irving’s former team, will play the Mavericks. From 2014–15 to 2016–17, LeBron and Irving were teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2. The Cavaliers faced the Golden State Warriors in the 2015 Finals and lost, then faced them again in the 2016 Finals before defeating them in the 2017 Finals. The only club in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals is the Cavaliers. In the 2017 summer, Irving asked the Cavaliers for a trade. After being moved to the Celtics, his and LeBron’s relationship deteriorated.

But a few years ago, LeBron and Irving’s relationship improved to the point that the two superstars desired to get back together this offseason. LeBron was set on staying with the Lakers, despite Irving’s best efforts as an unrestricted free agent to lure him to the Mavericks. Uncle Drew re-signed with the Mavericks, despite the wishes of the greatest scorer in NBA history, who wanted the Lakers to pursue Irving in free agency.

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When LeBron and Irving were on the court, the Cavaliers finished the regular season 132-51. In comparison, Irving averaged 22.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks a game next to LeBron, while LeBron averaged 25.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks. NBA source Dave McMenamin of ESPN claims that after Irving asked for a trade last season, the Lakers made a strong effort to get him from the Brooklyn Nets. Russell Westbrook and two future first-round selections in 2027 and 2029 were the main components of the Lakers’ offer.

Irving has only won once, compared to LeBron’s four championships. Seeing if Irving can capture a second championship will be exciting.