LeBron James Calls Kyrie Irving the Most Talented Player in NBA History
“Yes, the most talented player I’ve ever seen,” LeBron James said on the Mind the Game podcast. “I’ve watched a lot of basketball, and I’ve played a lot of basketball.”
James offered that assessment of his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kyrie Irving during a recent podcast appearance alongside Steve Nash. Nash initially remarked that Irving was “probably the most talented player to ever play this game,” prompting James to echo the sentiment regarding the Dallas Mavericks player’s ball handling, scoring touch, and body control.
The conversation highlighted Irving’s skill set as he returns to the court following a serious knee injury. James pointed to specific sequences from Irving’s recent playoff game as evidence of rare coordination on the court.
Reviewing Playoff Sequences in Slow Motion
James highlighted a particular play from Dallas’ playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Irving adjusted his shot mid-air multiple times before converting over defenders near the basket.
“I watched that play in slow motion and I was like, ‘How did he do that?’” James said. “I don’t even know why I’m saying that, because for three years as a teammate I saw those types of things up close. But it’s still not something you see every day. It was unbelievable.”
Beyond past highlights, James noted he observed Irving during a preseason game against the Houston Rockets and came away impressed with the player’s physical recovery from his serious knee injury. According to James, Irving maintained his trademark sudden stops, quick acceleration, and off-balance shooting mechanics without appearing limited.
Championship History in Cleveland
The praise highlights a professional relationship that yielded a historic title for the franchise in Ohio. James and Irving spent three seasons together with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to capture the city’s first championship in league history. Irving secured a permanent place in franchise lore during the closing minutes of Game 7, hitting a decisive three-pointer.
