The NBA is no stranger to dynamic duos. Throughout its history, we have seen some of the greatest players team up to dominate the league and bring home championships. One of the most recent and memorable duos was LeBron James and Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers. These two superstars were a force to be reckoned with on the court, but unfortunately, their partnership did not last forever.
After the 2016-17 season, the Cavs made the decision to trade Irving to the Boston Celtics. The news came as a shock to many, especially to James who had formed a strong bond with his teammate both on and off the court. And now, former Cavs coach Tyronn Lue has revealed how James reacted to the trade and the impact it had on their team.
In an interview with The Athletic, Lue opened up about the trade and how it affected James. He stated that the move “crushed” James and that he was not happy with the decision. Lue also shared that James was not involved in the decision-making process and was blindsided by the trade. This revelation has shed new light on the situation and has sparked discussions among fans and analysts.
The trade was a significant moment for the Cavs and marked the end of an era for the team. James and Irving had been the driving force behind the Cavs’ success, leading them to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and winning the championship in 2016. Their chemistry on the court was undeniable, and they were a formidable duo that struck fear into their opponents.
But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Despite their success together, there were reports of tension between James and Irving, with rumors of Irving wanting to be the main star on his own team. This, combined with the Cavs’ desire to build a stronger team, led to the decision to trade Irving to the Celtics.
The aftermath of the trade was felt throughout the league, with many questioning the Cavs’ decision and the impact it would have on the team. But for James, it was more than just a basketball move. It was the loss of a friend and teammate whom he had shared countless memories with. Their bond extended beyond the court, and James considered Irving to be like a brother to him.
The trade also had a significant impact on the Cavs’ performance on the court. With Irving gone, the team struggled to find their rhythm and chemistry. They made it to the NBA Finals in the 2017-18 season, but they were no match for the Golden State Warriors and were swept in four games. The following season, James left the Cavs to join the Los Angeles Lakers, ending their partnership for good.
Looking back, it’s clear that the trade had a profound effect on James and the Cavs. It was a decision that not only changed the course of the team but also impacted the lives of those involved. But despite the initial shock and disappointment, James has since moved on and is now thriving with the Lakers. He has formed a new partnership with Anthony Davis and has his sights set on bringing another championship to Los Angeles.
The trade may have marked the end of James and Irving’s time as teammates, but it also showed the resilience and adaptability of both players. They have continued to excel in their careers and have proven that they are more than just a duo, but two of the best players in the league.
In the end, the trade may have been a difficult pill to swallow for James, but it also opened up new opportunities for both him and Irving. It was a move that may have “crushed” James at the time, but it has also allowed him to grow and evolve as a player. And as for their friendship, it remains intact, with both players showing mutual respect and admiration for each other.
In the world of sports, trades and changes are inevitable. But what remains constant is the bond and memories that are formed between teammates. James and Irving may no longer be the best duo in the NBA, but their time together will always be remembered as one of the most dominant and exciting partnerships in league history.
