Tyronn Lue Says LeBron James Was Crushed by Kyrie Irving Trade

Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue revealed that LeBron James was deeply upset when Kyrie Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2017, describing James as being "crushed" and silent for several minutes upon hearing the news. This trade marked a turning point for the Cavaliers, ending the partnership that had led them to their first NBA championship in 2016 and diminishing their chances for future titles. Lue compared the loss of Irving to the breakup of the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant duo, emphasizing that it prematurely ended what could have been a Cavaliers dynasty. However, former NBA player Jeff Teague offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that James might not have genuinely cared about Irving or Anthony Davis being traded, implying that James may have already accepted these changes as part of his career trajectory. Despite these differing views, the consensus acknowledges that Irving's departure significantly increased the challenges James faced and altered the Cavaliers' championship prospects.