With Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving turning heads– and ankles – in Las Vegas, the reigning Rookie of the Year has become the subject of a challenge from Los Angeles Lakers’ shooting guard Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, apparently impressed with Irving’s skills and willingness to talk trash, has issued a challenge to the point guard wherein the two will play a 1-on-1 game for $50,000, with the proceeds going to charity. Though no date, time or location has been set, the 20-year-old Irving quickly accepted.
“I give him credit for his confidence,” Byrant said of Irving. “It’s 50 grand for my charity. It’s greatly appreciated. Easy money, easy money.”
The two players have had a light-hearted bond while practicing for Team USA with Irving being teased about his age and quickly shooting back that he at least attended college. Earlier this week, Bryant shot at Irving saying that he was unaware of the point guard’s skills as the Lakers were “up by 30 after the first quarter” during the lone match-up between the Cavaliers and Lakers. The Cavaliers, however, were down four after the first quarter, eventually losing by five.
“You’re going to have to guard [me],” Irving said to Bryant. “You’re not going to lock me up. It’s over.”
[Related: Cavalier Thoughts: Hope And Patience In A Hopeless And Impatient NBA]
(Source: Duke Blue Planet)
