Lakers' LeBron James Calls Carmelo Anthony Matchup 'A Privilege and Honor'

After knocking the Portland Trail Blazers out of the first round of the playoffs, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reflected on his relationship with fellow veteran Carmelo Anthony. 

LeBron posted two pictures of the duo on his Instagram account along with a heartfelt caption:

"Going on 20 years of friendship to date my brother and it will always be a privilege and honor to do what we love to do and that's hoop! Never taking these moments for granted cause I just don't know how many more we got together out there but what I do know is we have the rest of our lives afterwards to continue to live it up to the fullest. Love CHAMP!!!"

James and Anthony both entered the NBA in the 2003 draft and have combined for 26 All-Star selections during their time in the league.

The players first competed against each other in high school before playing alongside one another for Team USA and on NBA All-Star teams. There is a lot of camaraderie, which LeBron spoke about after Game 3 of the series:

Carmelo also joked about the connection between them:

"We came in together," Anthony said of James in December, per Bill Oram and Jason Quick of The Athletic. "Some way, somehow we will always be connected."

Anthony is set to be a free agent this offseason but said after Sunday's game he has "found a home in Portland."

It could lead to even more Western Conference battles against his longtime friend and rival.