Carmelo Anthony Explains Why He Connected So Deeply With LeBron James

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James will be teaming up in LA this upcoming season. After eighteen NBA seasons, the two finally decided to play with each other.

Melo had recently an interview with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson in 'All the Smoke' episode 100. Melo explained how his friendship with LeBron started.

"When I get to Oak, LeBron happened to be in Oak the previous year. I'm like, I gotta play against him, it's in the schedule. We gotta make it happen"

In 2002, Anthony spoke with James and found out they had a lot in common. Their backgrounds were very similar, which made the connection easy.


"We get the jersey, we get to the prime-time shootout and we come in the hotel, and he you Melo? Yeah! It was All-Star weekend in Philly too. And we sat on the steps for hours the night before that game. I don't know nothing about you doug, you don't know nothing about me."

"We clicked in after that moment, we just felt like we're from similar backgrounds, similar home, broken family, grown up in the hood. So we connected for that, before basketball. I was looking for that type of relationship brotherhood."


The 18-year NBA veteran has developed a deep bond with LeBron along with the other members of 'Bandana Boat Crew', Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade. LeBron even saved Carmelo's life once.

Carmelo now has a chance to win his first NBA championship along with Russell Westbrook.