The interesting dynamics around LeBron James’ response to Kyrie Irving’s comments

LeBron James had interesting comments regarding Kyrie Irving

The LeBron James-Kyrie Irving saga continued recently when James appeared on an episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast – and went into detail on Irving’s comments about Kevin Durant being the first guy, he played alongside that can be just as clutch as himself.

At the time of Irving’s diatribe, James was in the midst of his fourth championship run and did not take time out to acknowledge the comments publicly.

Instead, James waited patiently, took in all the information, and made sure to get the entire conversation so he would have and understand the full context in which Irving presented his statement.

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"[Transcribed via LA Times]“I played with Kyrie for three seasons, the whole time while I was there, only wanted to see him be an MVP of our league. I only cared about his success.” Said James of Irving’s comments.”“And it just didn’t align it just didn’t align and we was able to win a championship. Yeah, that’s the craziest thing. We were still able to win a championship, and we could never align but I only cared about his wellbeing, both on and off the floor and it kind of like, it kind of hurt me a little bit.”"

While James claims the comments made by Irving did “hurt him a little bit” many have forgotten about the claims, made by Irving where James attempted to have him traded long before he was able to force a trade to Boston, shortly after the 2016-17 season.

Those rumors floated around at the time and were confirmed by Bleacher Report senior writer and FS1 NBA analyst Ric Bucher.

Regarding the rumors of James inquiring about a trade involving Irving, Bucher said:

"“League sources say that when James became convinced Irving couldn’t be persuaded to stay in Cleveland, he suggested to the Cavs front office that it deal Irving to the Blazers for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. The Cavs never called the Blazers.”"

Knowing the background of, and the relationship between the involved parties, no one should be that aghast at Irving’s comments given their history. Irving never wanted James to return to ‘The Land’ to begin with, as Irving had enjoyed having his own team to that point of his career. Irving is not the type that sees himself as anyone’s sidekick or second option.

Everyone cannot lead though, and some are better suited to follow that is just the way life works. Irving wants to lead but seems to lack certain qualities that make others want to follow him. Look no further than his time with the Boston Celtics and it’s as clear, as the day is long. That young core of Celtics players does not hold Irving in as high a regard as he likely felt they should. It is that simple.

Intelligence is not always equal to self-awareness.

Kyrie, or Ky as James calls him, can be quirky and has his way about him, which is fine, do your thing. But Irving often comes off as the guy who thinks he is the smartest guy in any room he enters, and this attitude will not mesh well with others, more often than not.

James does deserve some of the criticism received during his career. Somethings James is allowed to do have been earned within different organizations, while his status as a superstar is well established. Irving has proven the ability to lead a team to success at this point in his career.

It is a little puzzling though as to why this type of thing still bothers James. It does not appear that the two were ever super close or Irving was like a part of James’ close click of friends around the league. They had a working relationship and that feels like where it ended. At least for Irving, we know that is where it ended, but maybe it meant more to James.

Perhaps James feels like the mentor who has been wronged by his one-time pupil, and Irving’s comments hurt worse than anyone on the outside could ever know?

Like any other sports feud or rivalry, in the end, it all comes down to these scenarios playing out on the field or court in this instance.

LeBron James’ legacy is set in place and at this point, he is just adding to it with every point, assist, rebound, or steal he accumulates for however much longer he intends to play this game. Irving still has time to prove he can be the leader of a winning franchise, but this is a task much easier said than done.