LeBron James Addresses Kyrie Irving's Clutch Comments: 'It Kind of Hurt Me'

"This is the first time in my career where I can look down and be like, 'That motherf*cker can make that shot too," Irving previously said.

December 8, 2020

lebron kyrie — NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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While speaking to Richard Jefferson and Allie Clifton on the Road Trippin’ podcast, LeBron James addressed comments Kyrie Irving previously made on The Etc with Kevin Durant.

"This is the first time in my career where I can look down and be like, 'That motherf*cker can make that shot too," Irving said at the time of his Brooklyn Nets teammate Kevin Durant. Many took the remarks as a jab towards James, who he played with for three seasons on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The duo also won a championship together after famously climbing back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

"It kinda hurt me a little bit," James said of Irving's comments.

"I was a little like, damn. Once I got the whole transcript I was like, damn. I wasn't like, 'ohh you tripping I been making shots my whole life [...] the whole time I was there [on the Cavs] I only wanted to see him be MVP of our league. I only cared about his success and it just didn't align... and we was able to win a championship, that's the craziest thing. We were still able to win a championship and we could never align but I only cared about his well being, both on and off the floor."