Kyrie Irving is off to a fantastic start to his career, an early frontrunner to win the Rookie of the Year Award like LeBron James did for the Cavs back in 2004 and has been getting advice on dealing with life in the NBA from the man he is essentially replacing. James has been watching and doing plenty of encouraging.

“We talk a lot; I’ve been knowing Kyrie since he was a ninth grader and it’s been great to see him continue to get better over the years and do the things he’s doing in Cleveland right now,” James said. “He’s been playing great. He’s been showing why he’s the No. 1 pick in the draft. Cleveland got a great pick.”

James has known Tristan Thompson nearly as long. Thompson selected one of James’ best friends and business partners, Rich Paul, to be one of his agents. For James, that virtually makes Thompson part of his extended family. The feeling is apparently mutual. 

“Me and LeBron’s relationship is pretty close,” Thompson said. “He’s like a brother to me.”