The NBA playoffs are underway, and the most prominent names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid have been in the spotlight. But some stars didn’t end up making it into the postseason.
Perhaps the most surprising misses are Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, despite their teaming up. The Dallas Mavericks had a horrific end to the season and missed the play-in tournament entirely. But this isn’t the first time Irving’s had a disappointing season in the past six years, as was pointed out.
Kyrie after leaving LeBron:
2018 – (injured, missed playoffs)
2019 – (lost to Bucks in second round)
2020 – (injured, missed playoffs)
2021 – (injured in loss to Bucks)
2022 – (swept by Celtics in first round)
2023 – (missed play-in)
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/6cGv5xVb7l
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 22, 2023
After he left the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James, Kyrie Irving went to the Boston Celtics, where he was injured for their best run. When he did play, they lost against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round. Injuries have marred three of these seasons, and it culminated in a sweep by the Celtics despite having Kevin Durant in 2022. This year, he missed the playoffs entirely. Naturally, fans had some intense reactions.
https://twitter.com/Goattalksport/status/1649671075138076678
When he was playing alongside LeBron James, they were perennial Finals contenders. Kyrie Irving was instrumental in helping them win the championship in 2016 as well. One comment explained what Kyrie needs to succeed succinctly.
“Thoughts?”
Yeah he needs lebron lmao tf
— Seth 🤙 (@SethCarty) April 22, 2023
Not everyone agrees with the assessment that he shouldn’t have left LeBron James. One fan provided an alternate explanation for why things haven’t worked out for Kyrie Irving.
https://twitter.com/airsj888/status/1649921909809872896
Kyrie Irving is still only 31, he has a fair few years ahead of him to get back to the biggest stages. His future is uncertain at the moment, but one fan seems pretty sure of where Irving will end up.
He’s playing w Lebron next season https://t.co/Lwb8UAbIjz
— 6thManHoops (@The6THmn) April 22, 2023
Kyrie Irving is one of the most electrifying players in his generation, no one can do the things he does on the court. But the NBA is all about success, especially in the postseason, so he will have to ensure he ends up in a winning situation for the slander to stop.
Kyrie Irving Could End Up On The Los Angeles Lakers Next Season
Kyrie Irving is a free agent in the offseason, and there is no guarantee that he will re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks. Media members like Matt Barnes think that the Los Angeles Lakers will find a way to acquire him.
Our writer, Eddie Bitar, put together a blockbuster 4-team trade that could see Irving team up with LeBron James on the Lakers once again. Whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but if LeBron, Kyrie, and Anthony Davis all team up, postseason success would almost become a guarantee.
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