LeBron James on Kyrie Irving: 'Most gifted player NBA has ever seen'

Despite boasting arguably the most decorated resume in NBA history, LeBron James has one regret that continues to gnaw at him: no longer playing next to Kyrie Irving.

James, who won a championship with Irving in 2016, is admittedly reminded of his former teammate's extraordinary talents every time he watches him from afar. The ongoing playoffs have only amplified that feeling as James has witnessed Irving lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals alongside Luka Doncic.

On the latest episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, James couldn't stop gushing when asked about Irving's return to the finals stage for the first time since 2017. 

"I would call Kyrie 'the wizard' all the time," James said. "There was nothing on the basketball floor that Kyrie couldn't do. And sitting here watching it, I'm like so [expletive] happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth. At the same time, I'm so [expletive] mad that I am not his running mate anymore [laughs]."

James then pointed to the Duke alum being the 1B to Doncic's 1A as the "ultimate wild card" any team could hope for, similar to when Irving was his running mate in Cleveland. James would then pay Irving the ultimate compliment any player could ever receive. 

"I have so many words to praise Kyrie that I end up with absolutely none," James began. "He is the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen. He has the best gifts I've ever seen of any NBA player. I've never seen a guy in my NBA life that feels better, at times, shooting with his off hand than he does with his primary. If Irving's off in a game with his right [hand], he'll go exclusively into his left. I've never seen nothing like that."

James and others will continue to marvel at Irving's wizardry when the Mavericks travel to the Celtics for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. 

While Irving is seeking his second ring, the 25-year-old Doncic — hailed by many as the best player in the world — is chasing his first taste of title glory.