Getting robbed is usually a horrifying experience for any individual. But Kyrie Irving somehow recalls it with laughter and a big smile on his face. He recently appeared on his live stream with the internet personality Kai Cenat, and among the various things they spoke about, he addressed the time he was robbed in Harlem at a young age.
“Have you ever been robbed before?” asked Irving to Cenat on stream. When Cenat responded in the affirmative, both Irving and Cenat started laughing.
“I’m sorry, I’m not laughing, this is PTSD laughing. We’re laughing out of PTSD, y’all,” said Irving as he clarified why he burst into laughter.
“Getting robbed is probably the worst feeling ever,” said Cenat.
“My stomach dropped, my stomach dropped,” said Irving as he started recalling the incident.
“My sh** was over like literally, he came on a bike. I’m coming out of the corner store, so I’m thinking sh** sweet in Harlem. He went, ‘Ayo, I need that, what do you got in here?’ and he went through my bag, bro.”
“I was a kid too, so he was like ‘Give me that sh**!’ Bro, I’m not gonna lie to you, that’s what inspired me to keep playing ball.”
Kyrie talks about the time he was robbed in Harlem as a kid 😭 pic.twitter.com/gmbCUQdNnc
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) August 1, 2025
While most people would’ve victimized themselves in that situation, Irving found his inspiration even in adversity. Even after getting robbed, he was inspired to work harder on his craft so he could contribute back to his community, so that people no longer have to resort to robbing.
Kyrie Irving was born in Australia, but he grew up in West Orange, New Jersey. He claims he frequently visited Harlem while growing up. Even to this day, Irving visits Rucker Park often to play in the iconic basketball court where he also filmed his famous Uncle Drew movie.
Kyrie Irving streamed this episode from NBA Legend Tony Parker’s house, who gave his San Antonio mansion to the AMP (Any Means Possible) group for their AMP Summer event. The event involves 12 hours of daily filming at the mansion and other San Antonio locations. Irving went on to discuss several snacks and eating options with Kai Cenat that he likes to enjoy in his free time, and dedicated a whole episode of his stream to it.
The Mavericks star signed a three-year, $119 million extension with the team this summer after declining his $43 million player option. He is expected to sit out the 2025-26 season to recover from his ACL injury.
Before the injury, many executives believed Irving was up for a massive payday, which would average a $50-$60 million annual contract. However, Irving took the pay cut as he is expected to be sidelined for the season and wants to give the Mavericks the financial flexibility to build a strong team for his return.
