Gilbert Arenas Defends Kyrie Irving and LeBron James’ Relationship Amid 2016 Cavs Reunion Absence

Gilbert Arenas had his say on Kyrie Irving missing the Cavs reunion with LeBron James and the others.

Gilbert Arenas Defends Kyrie Irving and LeBron James’ Relationship Amid 2016 Cavs Reunion Absence

Gilbert Arenas on LeBron James and Kyrie Irving (Image credits - Firstsportz)

When LeBron James and Kyrie Irving joined forces in 2014, they became the most feared duo in the league. In the three seasons they played together in Cleveland, they made it to the NBA Finals in all three years. But their biggest achievement will be winning the championship in 2016.

The championship they won in 2016 will forever be etched into the history books. They pulled off a 3-1 comeback against a 73-9 team and the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. It was a comeback for the ages.

The 2016 Cavs squad had a golf reunion to celebrate 10 years since they won the championship. However, it was noticed that Irving was not present with his former teammates. Irving’s absence created a lot of noise across social media. Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas gave his opinion on Irving’s absence.

It would be good to see them together having fun. I mean they both stamped themselves in history because of that championship. Like y’all made this together. So, there shouldn’t be no beef. Hey, I gave you I helped you get a your third. You helped me get my first. We both champions because of we played together. So why are we even at this point? The bigger picture is we both became, you became your first time champion. I became I got my third. You got to look at that part of it.

Gilbert Arenas on The Gilbert Arenas Show

Both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were unbelievable during their championship run in 2016. As Gilbert Arenas said, they both helped each other win the championship.

A championship for James in Cleveland elevated his legacy to its heights, while Irving’s performances that year showed everyone that he is a special player. After going 3-1 down in the Finals, both players were on a whole other level in Games 5, 6, and 7.

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Kyrie Irving posted on Instagram about the 2016 Cavs

When it was noticed that Kyrie Irving was missing from the latest 10-year reunion of the 2016 Cavs squad, many assumptions were made on social media. Some wondered if Irving was invited, while some believed that he did not have a good relationship with LeBron James.

JR Smith, who was a part of the reunion, said that Irving was invited but ghosted all of them and didn’t turn up for the reunion. However, Irving posted about the 2016 Cavs on Instagram. His caption read:

All for one. One for AlI WE completed the mission together as brothers, and that’s all that matters to me.

Irving had his reasons for leaving the Cavs in 2017. He wanted to have a team of his own and escape James’ shadow. But at the end of the day, he won his lone championship with the 41-year-old.

Kyrie Irving missed the 2016 Cavs reunion due to prior commitments

There have been reports in the past that the relationship between Kyrie Irving and LeBron James deteriorated with time. However, Irving went on to reveal that playing with James had nothing to do with his departure.

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving (Image credits – NBA France/X)

It was later reported that Irving missed the reunion due to prior commitments. He was seen mentoring at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in South Carolina and visiting local high schools in New Jersey.

Irving has always been known for his philanthropic work and for giving back to the community. Hence, his absence from the reunion was due to scheduling conflicts and not any personal dispute.

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