Kyrie Irving ‘Ghosted’ LeBron James and 2016 Cavs Golf Reunion, Reveals JR Smith
JR Smith addressed the absence of Kyrie Irving after 2016 Cavs golf reunion.
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Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and JR Smith (Image credits - Firstsportz)
The 2016 NBA championship run by the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, will stay in the history books forever. In the eyes of many, it is the championship that put James on the same table as Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate.
They got their postseason underway by clean-sweeping the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds. Then they eliminated the Toronto Raptors in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals and set up a clash against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
It was a series for the ages as the Cavs pulled off a historic 3-1 comeback against the defending champions. What makes the win even more impressive is that it came against the greatest regular season team of all time.
Recently, several players from the 2016 Cavs squad linked up in the United Kingdom. James, Kevin Love, JR Smith, Tristan Thompson, and Channing Frye were shown playing golf together. However, one player was missing in the group reunion. It was Irving.
The reunion post was shared on Instagram. Fans were quick to notice Irving’s absence. Smith answered directly in the comments and addressed Irving’s absence.
Missing none. He was invited and ghosted us all. So stop with that bs.
JR Smith says Kyrie Irving ghosted the 2016 Cavs golfing reunion 👀
— NBARetweet (@RTNBA) June 17, 2026
“Missing none. He was invited and ghosted us all. So stop with that bs”
h/t @Wizelycook pic.twitter.com/KnECqdUoAa
While some may have assumed that Kyrie Irving was not invited to the reunion, JR Smith put all those doubts to rest. Smith did not name Irving directly, but it could be interpreted that he was.
It has been over a year since Irving was last seen in action after tearing his ACL. It may be possible that he is working on his recovery as he tries to be at a 100% when the 2026-27 campaign gets underway in a few months’ time.
Kyrie Irving left the Cavs to escape LeBron James’ shadow
There is no doubt that Kyrie Irving is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. Despite his small size, he is almost unguardable due to his offensive arsenal. While Irving has had his share of injury struggles and off-court problems, his game can never be questioned.
Irving was drafted by the Cavs as the number one pick in the 2011 NBA draft. It was not until LeBron James returned to the Cavs in 2014 that they became championship contenders.
With James leading the way, Irving became the secondary option for the Cavs. The two made it to three consecutive NBA Finals and helped the club win their only championship in 2016. However, it was reported that things went sour between the two superstars and Irving requested a trade in 2017.
It was believed that Irving wanted to lead a team on his own. However, he is yet to win a championship since leaving the Cavs, while James added his fourth title in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Many believe that if Irving stayed with James, they would go on to win more championships together.
Kyrie Irving will be eager to help the Dallas Mavericks next season
Things have gone south for the Dallas Mavericks ever since Kyrie Irving tore his ACL last year. With Luka Doncic getting traded at the trade deadline last year, the Mavs have a new superstar in the making in Cooper Flagg.
The rookie was impressive this season and will benefit a lot once he shares the court with Irving. The Mavs traded away Anthony Davis at the trade deadline this year, which left Flagg with little to no help. It was an underwhelming campaign for them as they finished at 12th place in the Western Conference standings and missed the playoffs.
The Mavs will be looking for a much better showing next season when Irving is back. They will still have to make more changes if they have any chance of being competitive in the West.
With Irving at 34, his championship window is getting smaller with every passing year. He may take some time to be at 100% after his long injury layoff, but he is a player who does not rely heavily on athleticism. The 2026-27 campaign should be a lot better for the Mavs if Irving manages to stay healthy.
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Rishan Rai
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