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Former Lakers Star Snubs Kobe Bryant For 5’11’ Magician In 1 Major Aspect

Published 03/20/2024, 1:00 AM EDT

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Being called better than Kobe Bryant is an honor. It’s still a dream for many. A Dallas Mavericks player was recently named the most skilled player of all time. The thrill has certainly doubled as NBA veterans snubbed the Lakers’ great Bryant in the process. The one named is none other than Kyrie Irving. In the latest episode of All The Smoke Podcast, the panelists discussed Irving’s game. 

The conversation began with Damian Lillard’s tweet regarding Irving’s accomplishment. The Bucks point guard noted how “Kyrie Irving is the most skilled M* ever bruh.” Soon, many began to voice their approval of the statement across their social media platforms and podcasts. Draymond Green has also shown his approval on his podcast. In the ‘All The Smoke Podcast’, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson were curious to know DeMarcus Cousins’ opinion.

Without any hesitation, he praised the Mavericks star. Reminiscing his skill set, he stated that for him, the 8x NBA All-Star comes first and before Bryant. “I might have to put him over Kob I have gotta put him over Kobe. That m**********r 5,11 posting them up,” Cousins said, about Irving. Interestingly, the former Warriors star isn’t the only one with this opinion.

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Co-hosts, Jackson and Barnes also agreed. Barnes asked them to name their Top 3 all-time skilled players. Cousins had Irving, Bryant, and Kevin Durant. The first two names remained the same for the other two. However, for the third position, Jackson named Tim Duncan and Barnes named Stephen Curry. It’s hard to argue the greatest and most skilled among the sea of talents in the NBA. And even harder when the NBA greats have shared their take on this. And it’s quite a solid argument!

Amid ranking him above Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving’s stellar performance is worth every praise!

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The 8x NBA All-Star was legendary while leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 107-105 win over Nikola Jokic’s power Denver Nuggets. With few seconds left in the tied game, Irving’s left-handed game-winning shot saw cheers and enthusiastic shoutouts from fellow basketball stars.  “He ( Nikola Jokic) was forcing me inside the 3-point line and as soon as I felt him behind me, I was like ‘Oh, I have my left hand [and] it’s wide open, so why not go to it?’ And that’s the way I saw it,” Irving said about his winning shot.

READ MORE: Mavs Injury Report: Uncertainty Surrounds Kyrie Irving Amid Relieving Luka Doncic News

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He contributed 24 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Irving’s ability to make dribble moves and become one of the best ball handlers is the reason why he is named among the most skilled players. He is a great scorer, can pass, and has an incredible basketball IQ. Damian Lillard and other stars expressing their appreciation are a testament to the same.

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While that would have switched on Kobe Bryant’s competitive power, he would have felt proud of Irving too. 

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Written by:

Pritha Debroy

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Pritha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. After reporting on the luxurious lifestyle of celebrities for a year, she used that experience to cover the glamor side of the basketball world. She has expertly covered Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan's complicated love story and the lavish vacations of NBA superstars, among other off-court scoops.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz