Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert that star point guard Kyrie Irving is bound to stay with the team for life, contrary to the decision made by LeBron James in 2010.

In an interview with Jodie Valade of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Gilbert expressed his optimism about this coming season for the Cavaliers and the chances Irving will play his entire basketball career in the city.

"It's still a little bit early, but we feel good about Kyrie being here for his entire career," Gilbert said before Wednesday's 98-94 win over the Brooklyn Nets. "We think we set up an environment and a culture that is conducive to him being not only an All-Star but hopefully the leader of our championship-contending team. We'll keep going until we get to that point, whether it's this year or next year, whatever it might be."

"I think it's a whole different feel around here," he added. "We have higher expectations, obviously, than the last few years. There's just a whole different chemistry and feel, not only in the locker room, but also in the whole organization when you walk around, you talk to people in the business office, you talk to the coaches, you talk to the players.

Gilbert added that the winning culture is back with the Cavaliers following major acquisition this offseason and the arrival of a defensive-oriented head coach in Mike Brown.

"That was a feel we had all summer, even at the practice facility. It's one of the years where talent's evolved and we picked up some players and we have a defensive-minded coaching staff. Expectations are higher, not only for us, but the fans - as they should be," he added.