In the summer of 2017, Kyrie Irving’s trade request sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, marking a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Cavaliers just a year after they secured their first championship. While fans speculated about the implications of this move, the true depth of LeBron James’ reaction remained largely unknown—until now. Former Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue recently shared insights into how LeBron processed the news of Irving’s departure to the Boston Celtics during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, *Club Shay Shay*.
When asked about LeBron’s response, Lue revealed that James was visibly shaken. “Bron was doing an autograph signing for his foundation,” Lue recounted. “He dropped the marker and just laid back in his chair for about 10 minutes, not saying a word—clearly upset.” This moment of silence was more than just frustration over losing a talented player; it represented the unraveling of a championship core that James had worked hard to maintain.
The partnership between LeBron and Kyrie was historic, culminating in a remarkable comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals, punctuated by Irving’s unforgettable three-pointer in Game 7. The abrupt end of this collaboration left LeBron blindsided. Lue explained that the emotional weight of realizing their championship window was closing hit James hard, as he had believed they still had more successful seasons ahead.
Cleveland’s front office ultimately traded Irving to Boston in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and a first-round pick that would later become Collin Sexton. While the Cavaliers received a decent return, it was clear that no one could truly fill Kyrie’s shoes. The team managed to reach the Finals again in 2018, but they were swept by the Golden State Warriors, further highlighting the impact of Irving’s departure.
Reflecting on the situation, Lue acknowledged that tensions had been brewing prior to the trade, but James remained hopeful that the team could hold it together. “It crushed him,” Lue stated. “You could see the disappointment right away. He thought they still had more runs left.” Reports from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst at the time indicated that LeBron felt “blindsided” by Irving’s request, which revealed cracks in what had appeared to be an unbreakable duo.
The ramifications of this trade extended far beyond the immediate aftermath. LeBron left Cleveland for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, where he would go on to win another championship in 2020. Meanwhile, Irving’s career took him through Boston, Brooklyn, and eventually to Dallas. Despite their divergent paths, the connection between James and Irving endured.
In 2023, when Irving found himself on the trade block again, LeBron openly advocated for the Lakers to acquire him. After the deal fell through, with Irving landing with the Mavericks instead, James expressed his disappointment. “Definitely disappointed,” he told ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. “Someone I know I have great chemistry with … that can help you win championships.” This longing for a reunion underscores just how significantly Irving’s departure influenced James’ career trajectory.
What many viewed as just another trade in 2017 turned out to be a turning point for both players. Lue’s revelations shed light on the personal nature of LeBron’s response, illustrating that the emotional fallout from Kyrie’s exit was profound and far-reaching. As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, the echoes of that summer will remain a significant chapter in the stories of both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.