Kyrie Irving has issued a heartfelt response to LeBron James’ recent comments about him.
Earlier this week, James said, “I’m so f*cking mad that I’m not his running mate anymore,” in reference to Irving on the Mind The Game podcast.
He also said Irving was “the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen.”
The Mavs star guard has since responded to all the praise.
“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.”
Interestingly, the Lakers attempted to appease James’ wishes of reuniting with Irving ahead of the trade deadline last season.
LA offered to trade a package including Russell Westbrook and two first-round picks to Brooklyn in exchange for Irving, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
But the Nets sent him to Dallas instead, and now James is stuck at home watching his former co-star make it all the way to The NBA Finals without him.
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