Damian Lillard's advice for Kyrie Irving: 'Ky bra do your media sessions'
As Kyrie Irving’s stand-off with the media continues, at least one of his peers seems to be enjoying the show.
The Brooklyn Nets star declared in a statement earlier this week that he is not interested in speaking with reporters this season, earning him a swift $25K fine from the NBA. Even after the league made it clear it wouldn’t let him simply refuse his media obligations, Irving appeared to double down, referring to the media as “pawns” in another statement.
While Irving didn’t want to talk reporters, he did go on Instagram Live on Saturday. The subject of the media predictably came up, but from an unexpected source: Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard.
Dame’s comment in Kyrie’s IG Live lol pic.twitter.com/yvAc4D2bj0
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) December 13, 2020
“Ky bra do your media sessions,” Lillard wrote in a comment on Irving’s feed, followed by three laughing emojis.
Lillard repeated the message minutes later.
And a follow up 🤣 pic.twitter.com/qzXjvLOo5V
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) December 13, 2020
“Sir please do your media,” Lillard wrote with the same emoji.
Lillard’s comments likely reflect how many NBA players feel about the Irving drama; not seeing why it’s so hard for Irving to speak with the media, but finding the situation entertaining rather than infuriating like some reporters out there.
We’ll see if Irving ends up taking Lillard’s advice, though that likely won’t change the underlying tensions that created this situation.
Kevin Durant joins in
Irving’s teammate, Kevin Durant, joined him on Instagram Live, and KD started by referencing Irving’s recent media blackout.
“I’m just saying though since you ain’t did no media or nothing so I think as your teammate that I should be asking you the questions,” Durant said.
“OK, that’s fair,” Irving responded. So Durant plowed ahead with his question.
“You told me once we decided to play for the Nets that you needed four post-ups a night — I mean eight post-ups a night, four each half,” Durant said. “I think that’s too much for a 6[-foot-]1 point guard. I think that might hold up our offense. I wonder why you decide to play more of a big than your normal position.”
Irving laughed before answering.
“I feel like my soul tells me I’m 6-11, 7 feet. I’m you,” Irving said. “I’m able to shoot over people that... small guards. I’m not going to describe who the small guards are, but as I got a little older, I felt like I could just shoot over anybody.”
Durant couldn’t stop himself from clowning on Irving.
KD to Kyrie on their IG Live: “I was gonna throw it over the top, but you really are small as sh**.”
Lmao this season is gonna be unreal! 🤣— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 13, 2020
The two kept going back and forth, until Durant concluded the conversation with “Yeah, we gonna see though. We’ll see.”
It sure is going to be interesting seeing these two players on the same team this season. Actually, if it turns out to just be “interesting” as opposed to the many, many other things that it could be, the Nets will be lucky.
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