Lakers news: LeBron James on 'humbling' joy of playing Carmelo Anthony

LeBron James bested his good buddy Carmelo Anthony in Game 3 with the Los Angeles Lakers gaining a 2-1 series advantage over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Following a 116-108 win, LeBron James detailed about the “humbling” experience of playing against his long-time friend this late into their respective careers.

“It's unbelievable,” LeBron James said. “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.”

"It's very humbling and something we'll talk about long after our careers."

—@KingJames on what it's like battling against Melo, his friend of 20 years (via @CassidyHubbarth) pic.twitter.com/Jk0WkdNula

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 23, 2020

LeBron James and Melo go a long way — 20 years, in fact. The two instantly became friends when they met in AAU basketball. Together, they also became the top prospects heading into the 2003 NBA draft. Of course, James went first to the Cleveland Cavaliers that year, while the Denver Nuggets selected Anthony at no. 3.

Their paths haven't crossed as much, especially in the postseason. Prior to this year's first round series with the Blazers, LBJ only saw Anthony in the playoffs just one other time in 2012, when LeBron James was with the Miami Heat and Anthony represented the New York Knicks.

The two played together as teammates in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and on multiple Eastern Conference All-Star teams, as LeBron James mentioned.

Now, at this stage of their careers, LeBron James is certainly relishing the experience of playing against his good friend on the Trail Blazers.