The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, falling short of the expectations that followed their blockbuster midseason trade for Luka Doncic. The high-profile trio of Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves was expected to make a deep postseason run, but the team struggled to develop cohesion when it mattered most. He recalls his time with the Dallas Mavericks and compares what it was like to play with Kyrie Irving.
Doncic, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie, was still managing injury concerns at the time of the trade. Despite helping the Lakers secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the lack of chemistry proved costly in the postseason—a point Doncic himself acknowledged following the team’s first-round exit.
“It’s tough to get that chemistry on the court without any practices,” Doncic told reporters. “I’m really excited to have the preseason with those two [LeBron and Reaves]. I look back with Kyrie [Irving], when he got traded to the Mavs—we didn’t really connect on the court at first. We didn’t know each other’s games. But the next year, with a full preseason together, it was amazing. So yeah, it’s tough without practices, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Doncic and Irving initially faced similar struggles in Dallas, as both were ball-dominant guards learning to co-exist. But after a full offseason to develop their chemistry, the duo thrived in the 2023–24 campaign, guiding the Mavericks to the NBA Finals following a series of strategic roster moves.
Kyrie Irving #11 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks react during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at American Airlines Center
Kyrie Irving praises Anthony Edwards after playoff breakout
Irving also took time to highlight another rising star: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who played a key role in knocking the Lakers out of the playoffs and leading his team to the Western Conference Semifinals for just the third time in franchise history.
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“There was one play that I saw particularly,” Irving said during an appearance on Game Within The Game, breaking down Edwards’ performance. “Ant got to the elbow, head-faked, took a step over, and shot a floater. But the way his upper body squared up to the rim—while his legs told a different story—that’s how I knew he’s studied the craft.”
Irving called the move a clear sign of Edwards’ growth and dedication to refining his skill set. “When you shoot that type of shot in that situation, that’s how I know you’ve studied the game,” the 33-year-old veteran added.
Kyrie Irving shares update on recovery from knee surgery
Off the court, Irving offered a positive update on his recovery following ACL surgery. In response to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who asked how rehab was progressing, Irving replied candidly.
“My recovery/rehab is going really well, I appreciate you asking,” the 2016 NBA champion wrote. Irving underwent successful knee surgery on March 26 and is working toward a full return ahead of the 2025–26 season.
