When Kyrie Irving recently stated that by playing alongside Kevin Durant with the Brooklyn Nets, this is the first time in his career that he's no longer the number one option in the clutch, the first person on everyone's mind was LeBron James. Because why not, right? NBA analyst Jalen Rose weighed in on Irving's controversial statement, and labeled it as nothing more than “competitive jealousy.”

Rose explained his stance on a recent appearance on ESPN's Get Up program:

“I call this ‘competitive jealousy,'” Rose said. “And now it reminds me of when Shaq and the late, great Kobe Bryant broke up. Shaq really valued that ring in Miami. When Kobe got his without Shaq, he really valued those, too, if not more than the ones they got together. And that's what's gonna happen with KD. Leaving the Warriors, he's really going to validate himself if he wins it with the Nets. Same with Kyrie — leaving LeBron. So now they team up with the Nets.”

Fair argument from Rose here. He did also point out that Kyrie Irving made his statement during Durant's own podcast, which according to Rose, brought about some sort of “locker room talk” feel. This is why the ESPN broadcaster firmly believes that Irving's remark here stems primarily from his elite competitiveness.

Rose did not stop there. He also went on to make a bold prediction about these two teams facing off against each other in next year's Finals:

“And that's why this time next year, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers will be facing the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Finals,” Rose added. “And we're gonna be having this exact same conversation about these guys trying to win championships without their previous situations.”

While it's way too early to say, Rose isn't being completely audacious with his statement here. A healthy Brooklyn Nets side will be legitimate contenders next season, and so will the mighty Lakers. Only time will tell if Rose's prediction will come to fruition.