Kyrie Irving Reportedly Didn't Want to Be 'Son' to LeBron James with Cavaliers

As the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to figure out how to handle the Kyrie Irving situation, the All-Star point guard reportedly wants to be traded by the team because of LeBron James. 

Specifically, per The Undefeated's Stephen A. Smith, Irving doesn't appreciate James treating him like a child. 

"Kyrie isn't saying he's better than LeBron and should be seen that way," a close confidant of Irving's told Smith. "He's saying he's not about to let LeBron 'SON' him … treating him like he's the child and LeBron's the father or big brother he's supposed to look up to."

When ESPN's Brian Windhorst first reported Irving wanted the Cavaliers to trade him on July 21, it was because he "wants to play in a situation where he can be more of a focal point and that he no longer wants to play alongside [James]."

Windhorst also noted that James was "blindsided and disappointed" by Irving's request.

After Irving's trade request was made public, ESPN's Chris Haynes reported the four-time All-Star gave the Cavaliers a list of preferred destinations that includes the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Irving has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Cavaliers. He averaged a career-high 25.2 points and shot a career-best 47.3 percent from the field in 72 games last season.