Now that LeBron James is out of Cleveland, more insight into some of the behind-the-scenes relationships he had with his teammates continue to be revealed, with the latest connected to Kyrie Irving. 

The two played together in Cleveland from 2014-17 before Irving forced his way out after the 2016-17 season and landed with the Celtics. However, Irving apparently didn't want James to return to Cleveland after the four-time MVP spent four seasons in Miami with the Heat.

Three longtime Cleveland beat reporters — Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Dave McMenamin of ESPN and Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com — discussed Irving and James' relationship on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

Per CBSsports.com:

Lloyd: "It has been made clear to me by multiple people, Kyrie never really wanted LeBron to come back (to Cleveland) in the first place. He didn't think it was necessary. LeBron said something to Kyrie on the court following a game when he was with Miami something to the effect of, 'Keep going, keep doing what you're doing. You never know, I could be back here one day.' And Kyrie basically said, 'What's he talking about, we don't need him.'"

McMenamin: "Kyrie and his camp considered asking for a trade after the championship. They decided to keep it in house and not go forward with it, but it was something they discussed."

When James returned to Cleveland, Irving had just signed a multi-year extension under former general manager David Griffin and had to learn how to play alongside James.

Irving, 25, has since spent one season with Boston playing in 60 of the team's 82 regular-season games and didn't appear in the 2018 playoffs, while James carried the Cavaliers to the NBA finals.