Cleveland Cavs: Kyrie Irving tired of playing in LeBron James’ shadow?
Shaquille O’Neal spoke out about Kyrie Irving reaching out to Kobe Bryant to discuss Irving’s alleged worry of playing in the shadow of LeBron James.
There’s some high profile Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers talking about the most important dynamic duo Cleveland’s ever known.
It all started when Kyrie Irving reached out to Kobe Bryant seeking career advice on how to avoid a Shaq-Kobe feud that dominated the headlines during their hey day.
The Bleacher report published a “Shaq Podcast” in which O’Neil speculated on why Irving had the conversation:
"“No well if this conversation in true…this is what it seems like to me. No. 2 is how to be a No. 2 and he wants to be a No. 1. And that’s the whole thing.”"
There’s undoubtedly a lot of Wine & Gold faithful who are uber confused because when LeBron took off for Miami, the Cavs were barely an NBA team. They lucked into Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 pick in the draft, and while the franchise clearly appeared to have a superstar, Cleveland never came close to making the playoffs with Irving as its No. 1 option.
Cavs fans will point to Irving’s third year–the year before LeBron returned, as a big disappointment on Irving’s resume. The Cavs were expected to compete for the playoffs, but Cleveland finished 33-49, missing the postseason
Like everyone else who watches roundball, nobody’s forgotten about Kyrie’s record before LeBron, and neither did O’Neal.
"“When Kryie was there by himself they did’ seven make the playoffs. He won last year, but, same formula, win this year, but you know, when we as players start losing, it’s always someone else’s fault. So if he did make that phone call, that’s definitely what it about. He’s tired of being in the shadow of LeBron James. But guess what. As long as LeBron James is in the league, a lot of people are going to be behind him."
Kyrie would have to be crazy to complain about playing in the shadow of LeBron, right? Ever since James returned home, all Irving has done is bolster is own brand behind the Cavs playing in three straight NBA Finals. There was also that whole shot Kyrie hit to end Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought. It’s a position Irving was in because of James.
Interestingly enough, this whole Kyrie “not being thrilled” with LeBron storyline isn’t new. On the way to the NBA Finals in 2016, Brian Windhorst stated on ESPN Cleveland that Irving wasn’t in love playing with LeBron.
How did Kyrie really feel? Maybe we know now. That season ended with a title, and winning cures all. Now that the Cavs aren’t talk dog, perhaps O’Neal is correct to point out that the players tend to point the blame at other players after a loss.
Next: 6 Moves the Cavs need to make this offseason
Either way, an interesting storyline to watch as the Cavs attempt to improve their roster for another run at Golden State in 2017.