What if? Former Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue just dropped a bombshell, revealing how many more NBA titles he believes the team could’ve won if Kyrie Irving and LeBron James had stayed together. The untold story behind their legendary partnership’s end will make you wonder. Could they have dominated for years?

Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue recently reignited a long-standing “what if” debate, publicly asserting that the Cavaliers could have secured “two or three” additional NBA championships had the formidable duo of Kyrie Irving and LeBron James remained intact.

The genesis of this powerful era began in 2014 when LeBron James, a native son, made his heralded return to the Cavaliers, joining forces with nascent star Kyrie Irving and newly acquired All-Star Kevin Love to form an anticipated “Big 3.” High expectations immediately followed, with many pundits and fans alike envisioning multiple NBA Finals appearances and championships for the franchise.

While their inaugural season together in 2015 was derailed by injuries to both Irving and Love, the team roared back in 2016. That year, Cleveland achieved one of professional basketball’s most iconic feats, overcoming a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 deficit against a historic 73-win Golden State Warriors squad to claim the franchise’s first NBA title. This championship run remains a benchmark for resilience and clutch performance in the sport.

The Cavaliers’ quest for back-to-back titles in 2017 led to a third consecutive NBA Finals clash with the Golden State Warriors, who had significantly bolstered their roster with the addition of superstar Kevin Durant. After this challenging series, a pivotal moment arrived as Kyrie Irving, seeking a new challenge, opted to leave Cleveland and was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics.

Lue, who took over as head coach during the 2015-16 championship season, shared his perspective on this critical juncture during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay.” He explicitly stated, “I also think if KD doesn’t go to Golden State… I think we win — and Kyrie [Irving] stays, you know you can’t leave after that. I think he stays, and I think we had a chance to win two or three.” This sentiment underscores a belief in the untapped potential of that Cavaliers core.

Adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, Lue also recounted LeBron James’s profound reaction to the news of Irving’s departure. During an autograph signing event, when informed of the trade, James reportedly dropped his marker, leaned back in his chair for a full ten minutes, silent and “crushed,” a testament to the strong bond and shared ambition within the team.

Irving’s absence, particularly his scoring prowess, created a significant void, fundamentally altering the Cavaliers’ dynamic. Though the team still reached the NBA Finals for a fourth consecutive year in 2018, the loss of “Uncle Drew” meant they lacked the necessary firepower to truly challenge the formidable Golden State Warriors, leading to a swift series defeat.

The discourse surrounding what could have been for the LeBron-Irving-Love Cleveland Cavaliers continues to fascinate basketball enthusiasts. Lue’s recent comments serve as a poignant reminder of a brief, yet incredibly impactful, era in NBA history and the tantalizing prospect of an even greater dynasty that ultimately remained just out of reach due to unforeseen shifts in player allegiances and league dynamics.