Kyrie Irving, one of the most talented guards in NBA history, celebrated his 33rd birthday on Sunday, and the basketball world took a moment to honor his legacy. Among those who sent warm wishes was his former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Luka Doncic.
Now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic took to Instagram to post a short but meaningful message for Irving:
“Happy birthday hermano!!! @kyrieirving 🔥”
Despite their time as teammates being cut short by Doncic’s shocking trade to the Lakers earlier this year, the bond between the two remains strong. They shared the court in Dallas for parts of three seasons, making an impressive run to the NBA Finals last year. Though their on-court partnership ended, their friendship continues beyond basketball.
Irving’s Resilient Journey
Irving’s 2024-25 season came to an unfortunate halt after he suffered a torn ACL in early March. The Dallas Mavericks confirmed the injury, expressing confidence in his ability to return stronger than ever.
“Kai, you are resilient. Excellence, leadership, and dedication is who you are. We know you’ll come back stronger than ever,” the team shared in a statement.
Before the injury, Irving was having another stellar season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while maintaining elite shooting efficiency. Over the years, he has built a decorated career, including an NBA championship, nine All-Star appearances, and an Olympic gold medal.
Doncic and Irving’s mutual respect and admiration for each other remain evident, proving that some connections in the NBA go far beyond the game itself.
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