LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have been linked together for their entire careers. Before the Los Angeles Lakers star was making endless NBA Finals runs and winning championship rings, he was pitted as the perfect rival for Melo.

Now 20 years after they first met, they're both much closer to the finish line than the starting point. LeBron made it a point to celebrate that fact in his touching birthday greeting for Melo that the Lakers frontman posted on Instagram:

“HAPPY GDAY to my brother @carmeloanthony! Who would ever think that 20 years ago when two strangers sat on those steps outside late in the night at the hotel in Delaware(for HOURS) for The Slam Dunk on the Beach High School tournament. We began talking about everything in our lives that was going on, that if it would ultimately result in a friendship and brotherhood bond nobody could ever break no matter how badly they wanted too! I’m proud of you man, TRULY AM! You’ve always been YOU and someone I know I can always call on rather I need it or not! LOVE YOU KING MELO! Peace ✌🏾 God!”

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James and Anthony entered the league back in 2003, both with extreme hype surrounding them while coming from warring paths. The Lakers star was anointed as the chosen one straight out of high school. Carmelo Anthony made waves on the college basketball circuit, winning a championship with the Syracuse Orange.

Now both in their respective 18th seasons, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are still going strong and making an impact in the NBA playoffs. The Lakers and Blazers could potentially matchup in the second round, which could be a rematch between the two buddies from their bubble series last year.