Kyrie Irving Slams ‘Immature’ Media Creating False Narratives For Missing LeBron James-Led 2016 Cavs Reunion

Kyrie Irving hit back at the media after his absence at the Cavs 2016 championship reunion.

Kyrie Irving Slams ‘Immature’ Media Creating False Narratives For Missing LeBron James-Led 2016 Cavs Reunion

Kyrie Irving (Image credits - Firstsportz)

A lot of noise was made when everyone noticed that Kyrie Irving was missing from the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship reunion. The reunion saw the likes of LeBron James, JR Smith, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love and Channing Frye.

The players were celebrating 10 years since their historic championship when the Cavs beat the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the NBA Finals. It was historic as the Cavs pulled off a 3-1 comeback against the defending champions and the greatest regular season team in NBA history.

With Irving missing from the photographs shared by the players, many assumed he may not be on good terms with his former teammates. However, the former champion was quick to dismiss any of the false narratives created by the media.

Me and my brothers who played on the Cavs bro, we’re good. We’re more than good… When I get back to the states, imma pop in with them. We’re gonna chop it up. We’re gonna have a great time… The immaturity behind using media to spin narratives… Psychotic bro.

Kyrie Irving in his live stream

While Kyrie Irving‘s absence did surprise many, fuel was added to the fire when JR Smith mentioned that Irving was invited but ghosted all of them. While Smith did not name-drop anybody directly, it was safe to assume that he meant it for Irving.

However, it was later revealed that Irving had prior commitments. He was seen mentoring at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. And after his latest video, he revealed that everything is good between him and his former teammates.

Kyrie Irving to stay at Dallas Mavericks next season?

It has been 15 months since Kyrie Irving was last seen on an NBA court. He was ruled out for the entire 2025-26 campaign due to an ACL tear. A lot has changed within the franchise since. After acquiring Anthony Davis in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, the Mavs traded away Davis at the trade deadline this year.

Dallas Mavericks need Kyrie Irving for their championship dreams
Kyrie Irving (Image via Hoops Line/X)

When it comes to Irving’s future with the Mavs, NBA insider Marc J. Spears believes that the nine-time All-Star will stay next season.

I do think he’ll be back on the roster. I know their owner is really, really high on seeing him and Cooper Flagg play together. And then Masai Ujiri had said in his introductory press conference that he wanted to see that as well.

Marc J. Spears on NBA Today

It will be interesting to see how Irving and Cooper Flagg play together next season. Irving will be coming off a long-term injury, but many believe he will get back to his best with time, as his style of play is not very reliant on athleticism.

Kyrie Irving can mentor Cooper Flagg in Dallas

It was a difficult 2025-26 campaign for the Mavs. With a rookie leading the way, the Mavs missed the playoffs this year as they came 12th in a highly competitive Western Conference standings. It was disappointing to see that from a team that reached the NBA Finals in 2024.

Former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams believes that Kyrie Irving can be a mentor to Flagg.

Kyrie is in his mentor bag. You got a 19-year-old that can use your experiences and can use you as a point guard. He can bring back in a big load of guys… but when it comes to Kyrie Irving mentoring, he can help Cooper Flagg.

Lou Williams on Run It Back

It remains to be seen if Irving stays in Dallas for next season. He re-signed with the Mavs on a three-year, $119 million contract in the offseason last year. It will be interesting to see how the two number one picks join forces for the 2026-27 campaign.

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