Report: LeBron James Suggested Cavs Pursue Damian Lillard-Kyrie Irving Swap

When LeBron James was with the Cleveland Cavaliers and saw that Kyrie Irving was angling to leave, James suggested to the Cavs front office that they trade Irving for Damian Lillard, according to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report. Bucher also says the Cavs never contacted the Portland Trail Blazers about such a swap.

Lillard is quoted in the story on the topic of partnering with LeBron, as the two have been a popular theoretical duo:

“I love where I am,” Lillard said. “I play for a great organization. I’m not looking for nothing. I think we’d complement each other well, but the only way that ever happens is if my team decides they don’t want me no more. I’m trying to build something here.”

LeBron has made his appreciation of Lillard known in the past, so it’s not surprising that his appreciation extended as far as suggesting a deal to land Lillard in Cleveland.

You can read more from Bucher on the circumstances around playing with LeBron here.