Damian Lillard: Players around the league “respect” Kyrie Irving’s decision to want out of Cleveland

It was a shock on Friday when it was first reported that Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving wanted out of Cleveland and the shadow of LeBron James. A few days later, Portland Trailblazers star Damian Lillard joined SiriusXM NBA Radio and offered his thoughts on the situation.

“I think everybody across the league respects it,” Lillard said. “He has his heart set on other things and you’ve gotta respect that.”

Listen to the clip below:

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) drives on Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in Denver. The Nuggets won 126-113. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 137-125. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) looks to pass against Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 137-125.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving signals for the ball as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, January 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)