Iman Shumpert Admits He’s Not Mad at Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriend Kayla Nicole For Exposing The Truth

Kayla Nicole revealed that she once dated Iman Shumpert, only to be dumped via text.

Iman Shumpert Admits He’s Not Mad at Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriend Kayla Nicole For Exposing The Truth

Iman Shumpert (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Iman Shumpert expressed no anger towards Kayla Nicole for discussing their past relationship on a podcast.
  • Shumpert maintains a good friendship with Nicole and appreciates her honesty about their breakup.
  • He described LeBron James as the "Chat GPT" of basketball for his extensive knowledge and mentorship.

While Iman Shumpert has never formally announced his retirement, his last stint in the NBA was with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020-21 campaign. He played just two games with the Nets before parting ways with the club upon expiration of a 10-day contract. Since then, Shumpert has started his own podcast and has featured in several shows.

Drafted by the New York Knicks as the 17th pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Iman Shumpert has played for five franchises throughout his 12-year NBA career. His most successful period was during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he made it to three consecutive NBA Finals from 2015-17 alongside LeBron James and helping the club win its first and only championship in 2016.

In 2016, Shumpert married American singer and actress Teyana Taylor. After having two daughters, the couple filed for divorce in 2024. Their divorce became a a public spectacle with Taylor accusing the former NBA star of cheating.

Before his relationship with Taylor, Shumpert was involved with Kayla Nicole. During an appearance on the “Unapologetically Angel” podcast with Angel Reese, Nicole revealed that she once dated Shumpert, only to be dumped via text for a famous singer-actress. Nicole’s heartbreak became even more public when she dressed up as Taylor for Halloween shortly after the breakup.

Shumpert made an appearance on the latest episode of Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe and was asked about Nicole’s on Reece’s podcast. Shumpert said:

Me and Kay are good friends. It’s not like a thing where I’m going to be mad at her because she did that. She low key was just speaking her truth. It was a funny story honestly. She hit me up, and that’s what I do appreciate about Kay. She hit me up and was like, ‘I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I’m trying to tell a funny story on the spot.

Shumpert made it clear that he was not bothered by what she said on the podcast. The two have moved on with their lives since then and maintain a good friendship.

Ima Shumpert says LeBron James is the ‘Chat GPT’ of the NBA

There is no doubt that LeBron James is one of, if not the greatest, player to ever play basketball. His legacy is defined by sustained excellence, longevity, and high basketball IQ. Shumpert spent nearly four years with James in Cleveland.

Iman Shumpert and LeBron James
Iman Shumpert and LeBron James (Image credits – Basketball Forever)

Speaking on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Shumpert said James is essentially “ChatGPT” in human form when it comes to basketball knowledge.

This the best way I can describe shorty. He is Chat GPT. You can ask him anything, he knows. He know the coaches, assistants, the player development. It took me a month to get used to him saying X1, X2, X3. I’m like bro stop. To learn from lead by example and then to learn from example but if you don’t get it, I’ll come teach it to you. Most athletes better than you give you one pointer, if you can’t do it, give it to me. Bron will give you the learning curve.

Shumpert’s words for James show why the four-time champion is one of the most successful players in NBA history. The 2025-26 campaign represents James’ 23rd season in the NBA. A number no player has ever achieved.

Iman Shumpert claims Kyrie Irving left the Cleveland Cavaliers to beat LeBron James

When James returned to Cleveland in 2014, Kyrie Irving was an upcoming prospect. When paired with James, the two stars formed one of the greatest offensive duos in the game. However, after three consecutive NBA Finals, Irving decided to leave the Cavs for the Boston Celtics.

Shumpert broke down what really pushed Irving out of Cleveland, and why he wasn’t surprised that he wanted to leave.

Kyrie is a Kobe guy. Kyrie wanted to beat LeBron, and that’s okay. People like to say ‘Oh, that was dumb’ because you’re a team-up kind of guy. That’s not Kyrie. Kyrie is like ‘The only way I can be crowned the best is if I beat the best. I got to go head-to-head with you; I can’t team up with you.

While Irving has never won a championship since leaving James, he did make it to the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks alongside James’ current teammate, Luka Doncic, in 2024. Irving is currently recovering from an ACL tear.

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