LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were once considered the best duo in the NBA, a dynamic duo that led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first ever championship in 2016. However, their partnership didn’t last forever, and eventually, Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics after the 2016-17 season. Now, details are emerging about how James reacted to this move, and it’s clear that it had a significant impact on him.
Former Cavs coach Tyronn Lue recently opened up about the aftermath of Irving’s trade during an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Lue revealed that James was crushed when he found out about the trade and that it had a huge impact on their relationship.
“It was tough. That was the toughest part of our relationship,” Lue said. “He was hurt. He was hurt because he felt like he had a chance to really win a championship with this team and he felt like they took that away from him. He was crushed.”
It’s understandable that James would be upset about losing such a talented teammate, especially after their success together on the court. The two had formed a strong bond both on and off the court, and their chemistry was evident in their performances. However, with Irving’s departure, their partnership was abruptly cut short.
Lue also revealed that James had a strong relationship with Irving and that he respected him for everything he had done for the Cavaliers. But despite their close bond, James knew that there was a possibility that Irving could be traded at any time, and he had prepared himself for it.
“He understood that, but he was still hurt, because he felt like it was his team,” Lue said. “He felt like he led us to a championship and he felt like they took that away from him, the team that he loved, and the city that he loved.”
Despite the initial shock and disappointment, James eventually moved on from the trade and continued to lead the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2018. However, Irving’s departure left a void that was never truly filled, and the Cavaliers haven’t been the same since.
As for Irving, he thrived with the Celtics, but his time there was also cut short due to injuries and a strained relationship with his teammates. He has now moved on to the Brooklyn Nets and is once again considered one of the best players in the league.
Looking back now, it’s clear that the trade had a lasting impact on both James and Irving. It marked the end of an era for the Cavaliers and the beginning of a new chapter for both players. However, it’s important to remember that despite the challenges and changes, both James and Irving have continued to thrive and make their mark on the NBA.
Their time together as a duo may have been short-lived, but it will always be remembered as one of the most formidable partnerships in NBA history. And as for their relationship, it seems that time has healed any wounds, as James and Irving have been seen interacting and even playing together in All-Star games since the trade.
In the end, while the trade may have been tough for James and the Cavaliers, it also served as a reminder that in the NBA, nothing is permanent. Players come and go, but the memories of their time together and the impact they had on the league will live on forever. And for James and Irving, they will always be remembered as one of the best duos to ever grace the court.
