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“I Had to Fill In Those Shoes That Were Very Uncomfortable for Me”: Kyrie Irving Breaks Silence on Playing With LeBron James and Kevin Durant

Published 08/30/2022, 8:22 PM EDT

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Kevin Durant vs LeBron James is a conversation that’s gone on for an entire generation. Two megastars who arguably define an entire era of basketball, both James and Durant lead the way. Few players have got the opportunity to watch the two go to battle. However, there aren’t many who got the chance to play with both of them. Kyrie Irving, the former number one overall pick, is one of them.

Irving’s journey in the NBA began with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a few seasons of establishing himself, he teamed up with LeBron James. regarded as one of the best players at the time, the King and KAI became a formidable pair. Taking on a record-breaking dynasty, the duo made history. Coming back from a 3-1 deficit, the Cavs etched their name in the history books by beating the Golden State Warriors.

After leaving Cleveland for a brief run with the Boston Celtics, one conversation with KD gave birth to an offensive nightmare for the rest of the league. Irving and Durant later joined forces on the Brooklyn Nets. Since then, the two have been trying to attach their names with a championship. In addition, there has also been some internal drama between the scoring greats.

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USA Today via Reuters

While appearing on the show, ‘Uninterrupted’, KAI spoke about playing with the modern-day greats. And he said filling those shoes wasn’t comfortable for him.

Kyrie Irving’s journey playing with Kevin Durant and LeBron James

The show ‘Uninterrupted‘ was started by LeBron James and Maverick Carter to assemble the best of celebrities all in 0ne room. The talk show allows fans to get an insight into the minds of their favorite professionals. Likewise, following what was a crazy off-season for Irving, the seven-time All-Star went on to the show. And KAI spoke about getting the chance to play with arguably two of the best players of his generation. However, his insight may shock the NBA fanbase.

Nets Place Final Condition Before LeBron James’ Lakers to Finalize Kyrie Irving Trade as Per Latest Rumor

Irving said: “Playing with Bron and playing with KD, within our culture they are true icons. But I had to fill in those shoes that were very uncomfortable for me.” 

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Kevin Durant and LeBron James are undoubtedly both box office players. With eyes on them all the time, the pressure level is always at the max. In that environment, Irving is the right-hand man. Moreover, there is just one expectation with their teams, winning a championship.

Despite being in uncomfortable shoes, Irving evolved into a master scorer. Taking up the challenge, he is arguably now one of the most skilled scorers in the league. Without KAI, the Akron Hammer may not have been able to fulfill his promise to the city of Cleveland. And now, Irving’s sights are set on helping KD make his own legacy in Brooklyn.

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WATCH THIS STORY: When will Ben Simmons make his season debut for Brooklyn Nets?

Heading into his final season with the Nets, do you think Irving will deliver a championship with Kevin Durant, or do you think he will reunite with LeBron James to rewrite yet another historic story in Los Angeles? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani