Photo Credit: Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images

Emotional LeBron James Talks About ‘Humbling’ Joy Of Playing Against Long-Time Friend Carmelo Anthony This Late In Their Careers

Back in 2003, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were drafted with the first and third picks in the NBA Draft. The two have been friends since long before their NBA days and remained good friends throughout their respective NBA careers. Alongside Kyle Korver, the two are the only players to still play in the league today.

While both James and Anthony have been superstars, their careers went in different directions in recent years. LeBron arguably still is the NBA’s best player today, but for Melo, these past few seasons haven’t really been ideal.

After a rough year in Oklahoma City, Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-way deal, but never played a minute for the Hawks, and was bought out of his contract. Houston then signed him and was hopeful that he could improve their team.

That only lasted a couple of weeks, before Carmelo Anthony’s services were no longer required in Houston. He was the easy scapegoat for how subpar and dysfunctional the Rockets were. Then, the Portland Trail Blazers finally gave Melo a chance this season, a chance Melo took advantage of.

Melo’s characteristic of never giving up or doubting himself, knowing what he is capable of, is one of the things LeBron James respects most about his friend.

Following a 116-108 win in Game 3,  when asked about playing against Melo, LeBron had an emotional response and talked about the humbling experience of playing against his long-time friend this late into their respective careers:

“It’s unbelievable. We’re 20 years in our friendship. To be at this stage and to see where he is right now after not being with a team and things of that nature, I salute Portland giving him the opportunity. He’s made the most of it. He was great tonight. He’s a midrange assassin as well and he showed that in that 3rd quarter. An exceptional game for him. And like I said, it’s just very humbling and something we’ll talk about long after our careers. The battles, not only as opponents as you see tonight, but as teammates in All-Star games and Olympic teams.”