‘I have so many words to praise..’– LeBron James opines his thoughts on Kyrie Irving

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving haven't played together in the NBA in seven years, and James missed those three seasons as a teammate. James and Irving led the Cleveland Cavaliers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning one in 2016. Both profited from playing alongside each other, and it's evident that James admires Irving's basketball talents in general, as well as what he contributed to the squad.

During this week's "Mind the Game" podcast with J.J. Reddick, LeBron James was asked about his favorite aspect of Irving as a player and raved over the impact the Dallas Mavericks guard can have on a game. 

As per Yahoo Sports, "I would call Kyrie 'the wizard' all the time," James said. "There was nothing on the basketball floor that Kyrie couldn't do. And sitting here watching it, I'm playing like, so f***ing happy and so proud. And to watch him continue his growth and at the same time, I'm so f***ing mad that I am not his running mate anymore. I just remember those times.

Kyrie Irving is an eight-time NBA All-Star who has played for the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Netts, and now the Mavericks since being traded from the Cavaliers in August 2017. His productivity has increased, but this will be his first return to the NBA Finals, having only appeared in 22 postseason games since leaving Cleveland.

He's the most gifted player the NBA - LeBron James

Despite the separation, James has seen Irving thrive elsewhere and is still appreciative of his former teammate's ability. Reddick added his praise for Irving's game, calling it "aesthetically pleasing" and "beautiful."

"I have so many words to praise Kyrie that I end up with absolutely none because he's the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen," James said. "He has the best gifts I've ever seen of any NBA player." Irving can shoot with his weak hand, which is one of the qualities that James likes. James stated that Irving will play the remainder of the game with his left hand if he is experiencing trouble with his right.

Irving's first full season in Dallas has seen Dallas Mavericks advance to the NBA Finals thanks to those qualities.  Game 1 of the NBA Finals between Irving and the Mavericks and the Boston Celtics is scheduled for this Thursday night.