Since LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, his name has been linked to potential moves outside of Los Angeles throughout the offseason.
James’ career has been shaped almost as much by the roster moves made around him as by his own individual success. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he spent seven seasons there before joining the Miami Heat, with whom he won two titles. He returned to Cleveland to deliver the city’s first championship in 2016 before signing with the Lakers in 2018, winning again in 2020.
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Through it all, trades and departures have left lasting marks on his career, and one moment in particular still stands out.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Tyronn Lue Details LeBron James’ Reaction to Kyrie Irving Trade
Tyronn Lue, who coached the Cavaliers during their championship run, revisited the aftermath of Kyrie Irving’s trade to the Boston Celtics during an appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast. Asked if he could have done anything to keep James and Irving together, Lue said:
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“He had made his mind up. That’s like a Kobe and Shaq situation. I wouldn’t have let that happen. I begged and pleaded.”
Lue described how James reacted when he found out about the trade. He explained James had been signing jerseys at a Cavaliers Foundation event when he handed him the phone showing the breaking news on “SportsCenter.”
According to Lue, James immediately dropped his marker, leaned back in his chair, and sat in silence for nearly 10 minutes — struggling to find the words. Lue said the forward was visibly upset and crushed, adding that the trade altered the franchise’s direction.
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“I come sit next to Bron, we’re sitting there. I handed him the phone. SportsCenter: ‘Kyrie Irving has just been traded to the Boston Celtics,’” Lue said. “Man, Bron dropped the marker and just laid back at his chair for about 10 minutes, doesn’t say a word, just pissed off. Bron was crushed.”
He also suggested James might have stayed in Cleveland longer if Irving had not been dealt away.
Kyrie Irving’s Departure Changed the Trajectory of LeBron James’ Career
Irving’s exit marked the beginning of the end for that Cleveland team. Following another disappointing NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Cavaliers entered a rebuild, while the Celtics emerged as an Eastern Conference challenger. James joined the Lakers after the 2017-18 season, and he remains with the team today.
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Now preparing for his 23rd NBA season, James continues to compete at an elite level while pushing the Lakers to remain contenders in a changing Western Conference. In hindsight, the Irving trade not only altered the Cavaliers’ future but also played a defining role in shaping the next chapter of James’ career.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.