MANILA, Philippines – LeBron James expressed to the media that he had “a ton of emotions” when former Cavaliers starting point guard Kyrie Irving’s trade was granted during the NBA Media Day held on Monday, September 25. 

LeBron opens up about the Kyrie trade (via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/0hegTmfI5g

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2017

At that time, James wondered what he could have done better to keep Irving in Cleveland, as he was traded to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas on Tuesday, August 22. 

“A ton of emotions. You know it was wondering about something if i could get better for him not to want to be traded. Is it the way the season finished or was it me coming back in the first place, the coaching changes or the GM changed or I don’t know,” said James. 

The three-time NBA champion held a veteran role over Irving, as James claimed to have always extended his help to make Irving a better player. 

“I try to do whatever I could do to help the kid out to be the best player he can be. Trying to help him be a better leader, be a better scorer, a better floor general, a better defender, a better pass and get guys involved, a better leader vocally,” shared James.

James also pointed out that this was all part of his plan for Irving to assume the leadership role for Cavaliers in the future.  

“I try to give him everything, give him as much of the DNA as I could, because like I told you guys throughout the season, at some point when he was ready to take over the keys, I was ready to give it to him.” 

However, James also expressed that he was only upset about the trade because Irving will be taking his talents and learnings to Boston. Other than that, James wishes the best for Irving’s career. 

“The only thing i’m upset about is that he took a lot of the DNA and blueprints to Boston. That’s only thing I’m upset about. Really. Other than that, I wish the kid great health, and the kid wanted to do what’s best for his career,” expressed James. 

James ended his thoughts Irving by exclaiming that he would not be giving anymore advice to Irving, which was capped off with laughter from the media as he jokingly compared Irving to his son playing for another team. 

“You know I am truly humbled and excited, you know it was a gratifying three years that we played together but no. LIke if my son went to another team, and we’re playing against each other, I’m not gonna give any sh*t. He’ll come home for dinner or something but he ain’t getting advice from me,” said James. 

No more advice for Kyrie  (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/ICA4wfUgiZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2017

The Cleveland Cavaliers ended the NBA 2016-2017 Season with a 51-31 record and faced off with the Golden State Warriors in the finals where they lost 4-1 in the best of seven series. – Rappler.com