NBA Exec: One Of LeBron James’ Greatest Achievements Was Keeping Kyrie Irving Focused On Cavaliers

February 27, 2024

An NBA executive told Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com that he thinks one of LeBron James‘ greatest achievements was keeping Kyrie Irving focused during their three seasons together on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron and Irving were teammates on the Cavaliers from 2014-15 to 2016-17. They played in three consecutive Finals and guided Cleveland to the 2016 title over the Golden State Warriors.

The 2015-16 Cavaliers are the only team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 series deficit in the Finals. LeBron and Irving both scored 41 points in Game 5 and made massive plays in Game 7.

LeBron blocked Andre Iguodala at the rim with 1:50 remaining in regulation with the game tied at 89. Irving then hit the game-winning 3-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53.0 seconds left.

After the Cavaliers lost the 2017 Finals to the Warriors, Irving requested a trade and was traded to the Boston Celtics. Cleveland went 132-51 during the regular season when LeBron and Irving were in the lineup.

Irving’s trade request from the Cavaliers negatively impacted his relationship with LeBron since it was believed that Uncle Drew no longer wanted to play with The King. However, LeBron and Irving patched things up in 2018-19 and they are now close friends again.

LeBron urged the Lakers to acquire Irving in the summer of 2022, at the 2023 trade deadline and again last offseason. Irving was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks last season and re-signed with the Mavericks last summer in free agency.

Irving was interested in reuniting with LeBron on the Mavericks or Lakers last offseason. LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his $51.4 million player option. The Lakers’ preference is for The Akron Hammer to retire with them.

LeBron and Irving are one of the best duos in NBA history. LeBron averaged 25.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.8 assists alongside Irving. Meanwhile, Irving averaged 22.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists next to LeBron.