Most players across the NBA would jump at the chance to play with LeBron James as an opportunity to play with the best player in the world doesn't come around often. 

As well as benefitting from his unbelievable talent on the court, LBJ almost guarantees you a spot in the Finals and a chance to win a championship. 

James Jones, a teammate of LeBron's for seven years, can certainly attest to this as he's made the Finals in all seven of those campaigns. 

Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving hadn't tasted a playoff game before LBJ teamed up with them in Cleveland and they have since gone on to become champions. 

It has, therefore, come as a huge shock that Irving has reportedly requested a trade from the Cavaliers as he no longer wants to play alongside King James.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who broke the news, nobody was more surprised to learn of this than LeBron himself.

Per Windhorst, the four-time MVP was informed of Kyrie's decision after the point guard's meeting with owner Dan Gilbert last week and had no previous knowledge of his desire for a trade.

Speaking on ESPN's Pardon The Interruption, Windhorst discussed James' reaction in more detail:

"You know, I'm keeping the language just down the middle in that story, Pablo," Windhorst said. "LeBron was devastated, from what I understand. Certainly, they had their run-ins at times, but he felt an affection and an attachment to Kyrie.

"Yes, he is only signed for one more year, but he hasn't made up his mind and Kyrie is signed for two more years. Kyrie was positioned to have his own choice in two years.

"Really, LeBron thought they were going to come back together and try to beat the Warriors next year. That's what he's focused on, that's what he's planning on doing."

This hasn't been an ideal offseason for the Cavaliers after being soundly beaten by the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.

LeBron has also reportedly been frustrated with the lack of activity by the Cleveland front office and publicly shared his thoughts on the firing of general manager David Griffin. 

The three-time champion is believed to have told Gilbert and the organisation that he will not intervene in the Irving situation and is happy to allow them to deal with it how they wish. 

The 32-year-old's only focus, with or without Irving, is to return to the Finals next year and try to reclaim the championship from the star-studded Warriors.