LeBron 'mad' about no longer playing with lrving

As Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James watches his former teammate Kyrie Irving propel the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, he experiences a mix of delight and frustration.

"Sitting here watching it, I'm like ... so fucking happy and so proud to watch him continue his growth and whatever the case may be," James said on his "Mind The Game" podcast with JJ Redick. "And at the same time, I am so fucking mad at the same time that I am not his running mate anymore."

James and Irving shared the court for three seasons from 2014-17, making the Finals each year and securing the championship in 2016. This year marks Irving's return to the playoffs' final round since his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Reflecting on their time together, the NBA's all-time leading scorer had high praise for the eight-time All-Star guard's abilities.

"I have so many words to praise Kyrie that I end up with absolutely none, because it's just, it's so - he's the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen," said James. "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 hand."

Irving has been a crucial second option next to Luka Doncic during the Mavericks' playoff run, averaging 22.8 points per game. This is his highest mark in a postseason since his final season in Cleveland with LeBron. Additionally, he has contributed 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range.

This season, Irving's performance has played a significant role in the Mavericks' success, highlighting his value and skill on the court.