Kyrie Irving and LeBron James Deny Having Verbal Spat

Kyrie Irving and LeBron James denied they got into a heated verbal exchange following a 19-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers last week.

Kyrie Irving and LeBron James denied they got into a heated verbal exchange following a 19-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers last week. 

Chris Haynes of The Northeast Ohio Media Group confirmed the news in his Nov. 7 update:

“LeBron James and Kyrie Irving vehemently denied ever having a verbal exchange following Tuesday’s 19-point trouncing by the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers. 

“After shootaround in preparation for tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets, James said those reports were not accurate.

“‘Those reports are untrue,’ James said. ‘We have not had a verbal exchange, but I understand that negativity sells. No one wants to hear a good story. Those reports are not true. They’re very false.’

“Irving, who was sitting 90 feet away from James, took a comedic approach on the topic of an alleged clash between him and James.

“‘As you can see, we’re on opposite ends, so it means we hate each other,’ Irving sarcastically said. ‘It was just over Survivor’s Remorse and Family Guy. That’s what it was about. Obviously he’s going to feel strongly about Survivor’s Remorse. It’s his show, but I love Family Guy. So a heated exchange, words were said. No blows this time, but awesome for our team. It’s great.’

“When word first surfaced of a verbal exchange on Thursday, James tweeted out: ‘In the words of the great @AaronRodgers12 ‘RELAX.”

“James explained his rationale behind that post.

“‘It’s just how I was feeling at the time,’ he said. ‘It was just a message for everyone to understand how important the process is. Everyone wants overnight success and it just doesn’t happen in team sports when teams first come together.’

“When asked how his relationship on the court with Irving is going, James said it’s fine and it’s only going to get better.

“‘We’re two dynamic players and it’s coming along well, I believe,’ said James. ‘But it’s going to continue to get better and better. It’s just four games. It’s our first time playing together so each game is going to be a learning experience for both of us.’ 

“Apparently, all is well with the Cavaliers.

“‘Besides the feud that me and Bron have, we’re all good,’ Irving said. ‘We’re all good.'”

Kobe Bryant approves of Kyrie Irving vs. the Utah Jazz! pic.twitter.com/n7EMDihRkW— SC Not Top Ten (@SCNotTopTen) November 10, 2014

James also challenged Irving “to be a better playmaker” following the blowout loss to Portland, per a separate update from Haynes:

“LeBron James challenged Kyrie Irving to be a better playmaker following the Cavaliers’ blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, league sources told Northeast Ohio Media Group. 

“ESPN was first to report that the two had a verbal exchange leading to Irving exiting without addressing the media. 

“One source said James viewed Tuesday’s 19-point thumping as the perfect time to address his concerns with how his point guard went about getting guys involved in the offense, and he challenged Irving to get better.

“Irving struggled, going 3-of-17 from the floor. Those 17 shots were the most taken on either team.

“James said during exhibition play that confrontations are going to happen.

“This is the first time in Irving’s NBA career that he is being held accountable on the court to this magnitude. Storming out of the locker room was expected. This is new, championship aspiration territory he’s in and James knows what it takes. 

“‘He just wants Kyrie to be the best player he can be,’ a source with knowledge of the exchange told NEOMG. ‘In order for that to occur, confrontations must take place.’

“Up to this point, we’re told the two haven’t revisited that night in Portland. It’s all about action from here on out. Besides, James made his point. 

“It is unclear if James’ challenge has sunk in. In Wednesday’s (buzzer-beating) loss to (the) Utah (Jazz), Irving did provide a game-high of 34 points, but failed to get a single assist in 45 minutes.

“James has stressed that this is a process and being the leader of this team, he knows he’s going to have to ruffle some feathers. It’s all part of the process of becoming a legitimate championship caliber squad.

“‘There are a lot of bad habits,’ James said after the loss to Portland. ‘A lot of bad habits have been built up the past couple years. When you play that style of basketball, it takes a lot to get it up out of you.'” 

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