Did LeBron James Know Cleveland Would Fire David Blatt? Cavaliers Star 'Fond' Of New Coach Tyronn Lue

Basketball superstar LeBron James was informed that David Blatt would be fired as Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Friday but was not consulted on the decision, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports on Twitter. Blatt was let go after less than two seasons leading the team, and will be replaced by assistant coach Tyronn Lue, who has already signed a three-year head-coach deal, according to Yahoo.

Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the news that Blatt had been fired, posted to Twitter that James and his "agent Rich Paul have been strong advocates of Lue becoming head coach." Windhorst posted that behind the scenes the Cleveland organization knew James was fond of Lue and the 13-year veteran of the NBA wanted to be coached by a former player. Lue played 14 seasons in the NBA, while Blatt played only college ball.

Windhorst further reported on Twitter that there was longstanding "unrest" in the Cleveland locker room. Blatt, however, had a supporter in Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, the ESPN reporter posted. Windhorst also tweeted that James had issues with Blatt. ESPN reported last summer the James had openly defied him during the NBA Finals, essentially making the coach's decisions and huddling with Lue instead. The relationship between James and Blatt had seemingly improved this season, however, Cleveland.com reported.

Blatt, 56, led the Cavaliers to a 30-11 start to the season and 53-29 record last year. The Cavs currently lead the Eastern Conference and have won 11 out of their past 13 games. Cleveland made the NBA Finals in Blatt's first season, despite stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love suffering injuries. And before making the jump to the NBA, Blatt coached in Israel, Russia, Turkey and Greece, winning multiple championships. Blatt's firing comes after back-to-back wins for Cleveland, who suffered their worst defeat of the season last week, losing 132-98 to the Golden State Warriors.