http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/20...20101104_1_lebron-james-chris-paul-friendship
EW ORLEANS — C
hris Paul was at the hospital for the birth of LeBron James' two children.
When Paul's son, Chris Jr., had his first birthday party, James was one of the guests. The two NBA superstars have been friends for almost eight years,
Our friendship has grown over the years," James said. "We both respect what we do on the court, but it goes way beyond that. It's kind of hard to talk about, because I know how close we are. I support everything that he [does]."
The relationship strengthened when they played together in the 2003 McDonald's All-American game. James went off to the NBA, with Paul joining him two years later after a couple of seasons at Wake Forest. Now, they are both considered among the league's elite players.
Paul did not speak with reporters after Thursday's practice, but recently discussed his relationship with James with the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
"We both played in that McDonald's All-American Game, and we've been tight ever since," Paul said.
So tight, Paul, 25, was likely one of the few to know of James' free-agency plans before it was announced on national television. He hinted toward it, saying he and James talk all the time, when asked of "The Decision." Paul even switched agents last summer, joining the Estabrook Group, the same firm that represents James.
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The friendship has definitely grown," James said. "He was present at both of my childs' birth, both of 'em. And I was there at his son's first birthday party and things like that. So it's deep. It's beyond basketball."