Tyronn Lue Recounts LeBron James Being 'Crushed' by 2017 Kyrie Irving Trade

Lue says he told James about the Celtics deal during a foundation autograph session, where James dropped his marker and sat silently for about 10 minutes. According to Lue, Irving had already decided to leave Cleveland despite the coach pleading to keep the pairing, likening the breakup to Kobe and Shaq. Lue contends the Cavaliers might have won multiple titles if Irving had stayed and Kevin Durant had not joined Golden State, a hypothetical he framed as belief rather than fact. Irving has recently described his 2017 exit as a choice to step out of James' spotlight and pursue his own path away from constant media narratives. Not all former players agree with Lue's depiction, as Jeff Teague questioned whether James was deeply affected, while James is now with the Lakers and Irving with the Mavericks.

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