Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James and actor Kevin Hart are very close friends.

With that said, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the NBA star wished Hart a Happy Birthday on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUZwNtAasd/

During LeBron's first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hart came to Ohio for a comedy show. He had the whole crowd laughing with a joke about Lakers icon Shaquille O'Neal, who was on the Cavs at the time.

As expected, LeBron and Shaq were in tears because Hart's joke was so funny. Here's the video proof of that moment:

The 2019-20 NBA season is scheduled to resume on July 30 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. LeBron and the Purple and Gold have the best record in the Western Conference standings. When the eight seeding games begin, the Lakers will be 5.5 games ahead of Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Before games were suspended in March, LeBron was his usual stellar self. The King was averaging 25.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 10.6 assists for the Lakers while shooting 49.8 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 69.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Once the 2020 playoffs start, the Lakers will be one of the favorites to win the title since LeBron James and Anthony Davis are two of the best players in the world. Kevin Hart, though, is hoping his Philadelphia 76ers can shock the world and make a run at the championship.