LeBron James, Mike Gansey Photo From High School Goes Viral After NBA Star's 76ers Contract

A photo of LeBron James and Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey from their high school days went viral on social media after James signed with the 76ers in free agency on Friday.

They both played high school basketball in Northeast Ohio, with James representing St. Vincent-St. Mary while Gansey suited up for Olmsted Falls.

James won Ohio Mr. Basketball honors for the 2000-01 season, with Gansey finishing No. 2 in voting for the award (h/t USA Today's Mark Giannotto).

They later crossed paths during James' second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-18, as Gansey was a member of Cleveland's front office at the time.

He was eventually promoted to the Cavs' general manager position in 2022 before getting hired by the 76ers on May 29.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Gansey stayed in "constant communication" with Rich Paul, James' agent, behind the scenes of free agency before the 22-time All-Star joined Philadelphia.

Gansey has helped the 76ers compile an imposing starting lineup that now includes James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.