Lakers News: LA’s Assistant Coach Calls Kyrie Irving Most Skilled Player Ever

This is nothing more than a compliment... right?

It is well-known to many that ever since Kyrie Irving entered the league back in 2011, he already carried the work ethic and talent to thrive at the guard position for quite some time. All it took was 11 games played at Duke for the Cleveland Cavaliers to know that he was their best bet with the first pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

Irving has had one of the more interesting careers, one that is defined by off-court matters at times but he is widely recognized as one of the best point guards ever. His ball-handling skills, finishing at the rim and even a vast array of post moves have paved way for 12 spectacular seasons of excellence.

Respected All Around The NBA

Game will always recognize game and Irving's style of basketball has had a chokehold on audiences of all ages for quite some time now. He was a face of Nike's basketball shoe line for a reason and injuries/off-court drama have arguably robbed us of his full potential.

However, that respect that the 31-year-old guard holds extends beyond just his NBA peers on the hardwood. Phil Handy, assistant coach and player development director of the Los Angeles Lakers, has built quite the bond with Irving and will never pass up on the opportunity to detail his approach to the game.

Most recently, Handy appeared on a podcast and revealed that he believes the eight-time All-Star is the most skilled player to ever suit up.

“He’s the most skilled player to ever put on basketball shoes”

- Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy on Kyrie Irving 😳 pic.twitter.com/7kYivjBGjP

— ²³ (@SpeakContext) June 1, 2023

"I'm gonna go on record and say this," said Handy. "He is probably the most skilled player to ever play. Offensively, probably the most skilled player to ever put on basketball shoes."(Via SpeakContext)

Irving's Recent Connection With LA

Even with the NBA Finals going on right now, it seems like majority of headlines have been focusing on the potential new additions the Lakers will make (sorry Mike Malone) and Irving has been at the peak of most of these.

Three teams have said goodbye to Irving in the past six years and it looks like the Dallas Mavericks could be best. It is well-known that he wants to run it back with former teammate LeBron James but the path to do so may be very tough. Cap space and luxury taxes may get in the way of this but we'll have to see as these next few weeks pass by.

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