NBA analyst's lazy Kyrie Irving take ages awfully

Whether if he was appearing on Cold Pizza, First Take or Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, analyst Skip Bayless has been known for some bad takes.

From Johnny Manziel being bigger in Cleveland than LeBron James. Or Tim Tebow is a bigger box office draw than Kobe Bryant.

When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving in February 2023 to pair with Luka Doncic, Bayless gave his take on the trade with Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed, it hasn't aged well.

Skip Bayless' lazy Kyrie Irving take ages awfully

"It will not work," Bayless said. "There's no way [Irving and Doncic] can even remotely think about winning a championship together."

Fast forward to June 2024, and the Mavericks are four wins away from winning the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

At the time of the trade, it could've made some sense for Bayless to say that because the Mavs were the fourth team in a seven-year span for Irving, and him not being a No. 1 superstar like some thought he had the capability of being. However, in Dallas, Irving has showed maturity and has been an important part to Doncic's maturity and game.

The emotional moment came when the two hugged following the Mavs' Game 6 elimination win against the Thunder in Dallas. Irving and Doncic have spoken highly of each other whenever they get the chance.

"I just have to sit back and marvel at his talent, and his ability to get outside his comfort zone," Irving said on Doncic following the Game 6 win against the Thunder. "And, you know, I enjoy watching him, be a father. I enjoy watching him, you know, develop as a person first, and then basketball stuff will take care of it."

At 32 years old, Irving has embraced being an important sidekick to Doncic and being an important number two player. Irving understands Dallas is Doncic's team and he is the number one guy. It's a reason why the two have gelled together and play great basketball.

Irving has averaged 22.8 points per game in the Playoffs while Doncic is averging 28.8 points per game.

"I want to be a teammate and a brother next to him that helps him grow as a man and helps him achieve the things that he wants to achieve," Irving said after eliminating the Thunder.

Throughout his career, Irving has played with elite players. From LeBron James, to Kevin Durant, to James Harden and more. But, Irving understands how important being a great teammate to a young superstar like Doncic is.

"Nothing but supportive of everything I did, everything we did," Doncic said about Irving after eliminating the Thunder. "But just, he helped me mature a lot. Realize, to see the game in a different way. And obviously on the court, it is amazing to play with a guy like him."

The two will have their opportunity to silence critics after winning the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves in five games. There will be extra motivation for the two to bring Dallas its second NBA Finals championship.