The relationship between LeBron James and his Robin-like sidekick Kyrie Irving has gone on one of the fastest downward spirals in recent memory.
While news of Irving’s request to be traded are rather only days fresh, their rapport has deteriorated rapidly, going to the length of not just discontent — but animosity toward one another.
“If Kyrie Irving was in front of LeBron James right now, LeBron James would be tempted to beat his ass,” a source close to the team told ESPN’s Steven A. Smith, who explained the current state of their relationship in his own colorful way.
Smith clarified that while the trade news upset James when he was first notified two weeks ago, the one particular aspect that has bothered him the most is that he is coming out of this looking like a bad teammate, given that Irving does not want to play alongside him any longer.
A trade is considered “almost inevitable” — due to the potential rupture it could cause within the locker room and Irving’s hand-picked four landing destinations, which he informed the front office about.
The Cavs will be forced to trade Irving at all costs, given that James has stated he is completely unwilling to drop his no-trade clause for any team, making any potential hope of retaining Irving as the sole star of the team rather futile.