Several members of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship team gathered in the United Kingdom to mark the 10-year anniversary of their historic NBA Finals victory.
Star guard Kyrie Irving was notably absent from the European trip.
The reunion included LeBron James, Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, Tristan Thompson, and Richard Jefferson, who spent time playing golf and enjoying wine.
Friday, June 19, 2026, marked the official anniversary of the Game 7 win, where the Cavaliers became the only team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.
Social Media Reactions
Former Cavaliers guard J. R.
Smith responded to fans on social media who questioned Irving's absence. He clarified that Irving was personally invited but did not attend.
"Missing none," Smith wrote. "He was invited and ghosted us all.
So stop with that bs."
Irving later posted an image of the 2016 championship roster and head coach Tyronn Lue on Instagram, acknowledging the accomplishment.
"All for one. One for all.
WE completed the mission together as brothers, and that's all that matters to me…" he stated.
During their three seasons together, James and Irving formed a highly successful duo.
In the seven-game 2016 series against the Golden State Warriors, they combined to average 56.8 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 12.8 assists per game.
Irving averaged 25.2 points in the Finals and made the go-ahead three-pointer with 53 seconds remaining, while James earned Finals MVP honors.
Gilbert Arenas Weighs In
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas discussed the situation on his show, expressing hope that any lingering tension would fade over time.
"It would be good to see them together having fun.
I mean they both stamped themselves in history because of that championship… So there shouldn't be no beef," Arenas said.
Arenas emphasized that both players were essential to the franchise's first NBA title. "Hey, I helped you get your third.
You helped me get my first. We both champions because we played together.
So why are we even at this point?" he added.
He noted that maturity often changes how players view past conflicts.
"At some point in time, the older you get, the wiser you get, they're gonna realize we did good," Arenas observed.
Arenas also highlighted how external narratives can complicate relationships. "Most times, the beef starts because of outside influence," he concluded.
