LeBron James bluntly accuses Kyrie Irving of missing Grizzlies game for Lakers

LeBron James has given into the popular Lakers Twitter theory of players resting in games before facing the Purple and Gold after calling out Kyrie Irving for it. The Mavericks superstar is scheduled to miss Monday's game, but James said he knows the dynamic point guard will be ready to play against his squad on Tuesday.

It's a common trend the Lakers fans have noticed with several players, who tend to miss games against other teams but have been active when facing LA.

"Kyrie ain't playing tomorrow, right?" James said. "They [Mavericks'] do play tomorrow cause' it's a back-to-back, so Kyrie be ready (for us) and the rest of us guys be ready. It'll be a good one" (4:28)

Irving is dealing with an illness that has bugged the Mavericks players for a long time. Multiple other players and a few staff members have also dealt with this suspicious issue. For now, Irving is the only player on the Mavericks' injury report likely to play against the Lakers.

Luka Doncic is out for multiple weeks with a calf injury, and Dante Exum is recovering from wrist surgery.

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving duel in a crucial game for their respective teams

If Kyrie Irving is available on Tuesday, it could be an enticing battle between the Dallas Mavericks and LeBron James' LA Lakers. Both teams have a 20-15 record as of now. That will change tomorrow when the Mavericks take on the Grizzlies. The Mavericks have dropped four consecutive games and five of their last six.

Meanwhile, the Lakers lost on Sunday against the Rockets and will be keen to avoid a consecutive loss. It hasn't boded well for them when they lose two in a row, as it has usually resulted in them slumping.

However, without Doncic, James and the Lakers will likely be the favorites. They also have a day's rest, while the Mavs will play on the second night of a back-to-back. If Irving plays, Jason Kidd will lean heavily onto his star guard to produce the goods as he will be rested and the No. 1 option for Dallas.