CLEVELAND — Here’s a theory on Kyrie Irving.



Kobe Bryant is Irving’s favorite player, ever. During Bryant’s farewell tour with the Lakers three years ago, he bestowed his wisdom from 20 seasons and five NBA titles upon a number of younger players, Irving included.



Bryant’s message to Irving was, basically, that great teams need a player who actually causes conflict inside the locker room, on purpose. That great teams need someone who makes his teammates uncomfortable when things might otherwise be easy and quiet.



Bryant lived this, clashing with Shaquille O’Neal during the Lakers’ run of three rings, and pushing management to reshape the roster and sign Pau Gasol, which led to two more rings.



At the time of Bryant’s retirement season, Irving was on the Cavaliers with LeBron James. Bryant opined that James was not cut out to be the “lightning rod,” the conflict creator, but Irving was. And...