Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is set to possibly miss the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons. Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving told reporters following their showdown at Staples Center on Saturday that he empathizes with his former teammate, adding that this must be hard for the future Hall of Famer.

Hear his full statement below, per Ben Golliver of The Washington Post.

Kyrie Irving and LeBron James obviously still have a very good relationship with each other even after they parted ways in 2017. Of course, they went through a lot together and led an amazing comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors.

James has been a household star in the playoffs and has been one of the main attractions of the post-season for the past 14 years. Moreover, the four-time MVP has also stamped himself as the marquee name come June as he has made the last eight NBA Finals. With that said, it goes without saying that the NBA playoffs will not be the same this season.

This Lakers season has been filled with all sorts of drama. James' arrival in the summer instantly put them in playoff contention. After a slow start to the season, they eventually found their stride and were very much in the hunt in December. However, a groin injury on Christmas Day forced James to miss 17 consecutive contests.

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Celtics' Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White

Diego Vergel de Dios ·

A newspaper as the background, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on one side, a bunch of Boston Celtics fans on the other side with the teeth clenched emoji around them

Owen Crisafulli ·

In the middle, recent in-game photos of Erik Spoelstra and Joe Mazzulla. Have Spoelstra smiling/celebrating and Mazzulla looking upset. Behind Mazzulla, recent in-game photos of Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, looking frustrated/upset. Behind Spoelstra, recent in-game photos of Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin celebrating/ smiling/clapping.

Jack Winter ·

It's arguable that the Lakers could have hung onto their playoff spot had the three-time champion stayed healthy throughout the season. Still, there was too much drama clouding the Lakers' franchise, especially with the Anthony Davis trade saga that lit the organization on fire.

The Lakers' 2018-19 campaign has been a wild roller-coaster ride. It's just unfortunate that this will eventually lead to one of the greatest players of all time missing the NBA's most important time of the year for the first time since he was 21 years old.