Report: LeBron, Irving’s on-court chemistry ‘basically nonexistent’
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are having issues clicking on-court, reports The Vertical’s Chris Mannix.
As the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers navigate the season’s final stretch, the star duo has been struggling to figure things out. Mannix reports “the disconnect between Irving and James is real,” and though they have a “solid” relationship, the on-court chemistry, according to one opposing scout, is “basically nonexistent.” James reportedly understands Irving’s immense value to the Cavs and is attempting to teach him on the fly.
The Cavaliers continue to experiment with small lineups and different looks as they prepare to enter the postseason, likely as the conference favorites once more. James is averaging 24.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists and was named February’s conference player of the month. Irving is averaging 19.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, with his scoring totals trending upward in recent weeks. Head coach Tyronn Lue has made an effort to involve third star Kevin Love more offensively since taking over for David Blatt.
• SHARP: The Cavs and the big picture
The Cavaliers are 44–18 with a 2 1/2 game lead on the Toronto Raptors, with just over a month to go in the regular season.
