LeBron James poured effusive praise upon his former running mate, Kyrie Irving, as the maestro Maverick prepares to showcase his singular talents on the NBA Finals stage. James didn’t mince words, declaring Irving “the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen,” possessing a skill set that surpasses even his own lofty standard.

The reverence in James’ voice is palpable, as he recounts bestowing on Irving the moniker “The Wizard” during their time together in Cleveland. For James, there was nothing Irving couldn’t do on the hardwood, from ambidextrous shooting wizardry to clutch shot-making that defied logic. The left-handed hook that slayed the Nuggets was, in James’ words, “one of the most ridiculous shots I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Yet, Irving’s departure from Cleveland in 2017, driven by a desire to emerge from James’ immense shadow, has left the Lakers star both “so f–king happy and so proud” of his protégé’s growth, and “so f–king mаd” that they are no longer allies. The duo’s championship pedigree is unquestioned, but their paths diverged, leading Irving to Dallas and a shot at a second ring.

Now, as he and the Mavericks prepare to take on the Celtics, Irving will have the opportunity to further cement his legacy as one of the NBA’s true savants. And while James may not be alongside him, the admiration and respect he holds for his former teammate’s transcendent talents remаins undiminished.