LeBron James has experienced plenty of highs and lows in his career, but there’s one trade that still sticks with him. Back in 2017, the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/cleveland-cavaliers) made the stunning decision to send Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, and according to former coach Tyronn Lue, James was floored when he found out.
How one move changed everything for the Cavaliers and LeBron
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Lue recently told the story on the Club Shay Shay podcast, recalling the exact moment LeBron got the news. The Cavs star was at a team foundation event, casually signing jerseys, when Lue showed him the SportsCenter update.
The reaction was instant. James dropped his marker, leaned back in his chair, and sat in silence. Ten minutes went by without a word. Lue said you could see how crushed he was.
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“He was pissed off. He didn’t want to believe it,” Lue explained. “I begged and pleaded, but Kyrie had made up his mind. It was like a Kobe and Shaq situation.”
The fallout from that trade reshaped the league. Cleveland, fresh off three straight Finals appearances, quickly slipped into rebuild mode. Boston gained a rising star. And within a year, LeBron packed his bags for Los Angeles, where he has played ever since.
There is much speculation that 2025-26 will be the final season for LeBron in the league. It will be his 23rd, which is a record in the league.
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