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Koby Altman: Rift between LeBron and Kyrie is 'overblown'

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers had one goal in Wednesday's press conference, and that was to deny everything.

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and newly appointed general manager Koby Altman spent the better part of half an hour shooting down any and all rumors in regards to Kyrie Irving's trade demands.

Altman, for example, downplayed the idea that Irving wanted to leave because he no longer wanted to play with LeBron James. Their unhappiness, in his estimation, is overstated.

"I think a lot of it's been overblown," Altman said. "I think a lot of people who are in this building every day haven't seen any of that animosity. Along with Kevin Love, this is a group that has gotten us to three straight Finals and won an NBA championship together."

Altman pointed to Irving and James' impressive track record as evidence of team harmony, and blamed the press for overstating any disagreements between the two.

"They play great together on the floor, and a lot of that I do think is overblown. We haven't seen a lot of this animosity that's sort of been out there in the media," Altman said.

Irving reportedly wants to walk because he is irked by how James dominates the ball, and because he is envious of how the King receives special treatment that other Cavaliers don't enjoy.

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