Full Breakdown
Cavaliers' 10-Year Championship Reunion in the UK Highlights LeBron James' Trip and Kyrie Irving's Absence
6/19/2026, 10:44:47 PM
Reunion Tour: LeBron James Leads Former Teammates Across the UK
LeBron James flew to the United Kingdom in early June 2024 with former Cavaliers Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, JR Smith, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye. Their Instagram posts showed a Tower Bridge photo, a fine-wine dinner and luxury watches in London, and a round of golf at Scotland’s Loch Lomond Golf Club, which ESPN calls one of the world’s finest private-member clubs.
2016 Title: A Decade-Old Milestone
The trip commemorated the 10th anniversary of Cleveland’s 2016 NBA championship, the franchise’s first title and the first Finals comeback from a 3-1 deficit, achieved by beating the 73-win Golden State Warriors. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was part of that squad.
Kyrie Irving's Absence: Ghosted or Pre-Booked?
Kyrie Irving, a key member of the 2016 trio, did not join the UK trip. JR Smith posted on Instagram, “Missing none. He was invited and ghosted us all. So stop with that bs.” Irving’s camp said he was at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and doing community outreach in New Jersey, suggesting prior commitments may have kept him away. The differing accounts leave his motive unclear.
Official Statements & Responses
James entered free agency after his Los Angeles Lakers contract expired. Former Cavs GM David Griffin told ESPN’s First Take he would be “surprised” if James does not return to Cleveland. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin later reported James is “likely” to re-sign with Los Angeles, with the Golden State Warriors as a realistic secondary option. Irving has not issued a comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans posted more than 14,000 likes on a comment asking “Where Kyrie at ?.” Critics called Irving’s non-attendance a slight; supporters cited his community work. The debate reflects lingering tension from his 2017 trade request.
Why It Matters
The reunion reinforced the cultural legacy of the 2016 title and sparked fan engagement online. James’s free-agency status fuels speculation about a possible Cleveland return, a move that could reshape the franchise’s future. Irving’s absence, whether seen as a personal slight or a professional commitment, continues to shape narratives about his ties to former teammates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Irving’s motive: some label his non-attendance a “ghosting,” while others cite pre-scheduled youth-camp duties. Irving has not issued a direct comment, leaving his exact reasoning unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Missing none. He was invited and ghosted us all. So stop with that bs.” — JR Smith, Former Cavaliers guard
- “The group chat finally linked up….??,: Thompson, 35, wrote in the caption of a collaborative Instagram post with James, Smith and Frye.” — Tristan Thompson, Former Cavaliers forward
- “You know what's forcing me? The wire I sent bro,” — LeBron James, NBA forward
- “I’m continuously reminded over and over again, ‘Yo, you left ‘Bron. How could you do that?'” — Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks guard
What’s Next
James’s free-agency negotiations will conclude before the 2024-25 season, with Cleveland, Los Angeles and Golden State listed as top options. Irving will begin the upcoming NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, while his mentorship work is expected to continue.
