When people think of LeBron James and Delonte West, they think of the crazy rumor about West having relations with James’ mother Gloria.  West however has a lot of love for James and credits him with saving his life and being an amazing friend.

West, who battled depression and suffered from a severe stress disorder, was a month removed from a weapons charge that was hanging over his head. The unknown of the outcome of that situation deeply tormented the guard.  Being sensitive to the distress West was going through, coach Mike Brown permitted him to get away even though it was right before practice was to start.

West walked to the locker room to gather his belongings before embarking on his four-hour road trip. But before he could head for the exit, LeBron James entered and asked if he could speak with him for a minute.

“He sat with me in the locker room for like an hour and was rapping it up with me by giving me words of encouragement,” West said. “Keep in mind, practice was still going on. He left practice and sat with me for a while, just keeping me company. He later walked me down the stairs and said, ‘D, I don’t know where you’re going or what you’re about to do, but I’ll be right here when you get back.’

“My spirits were so high at that point. I don’t know what would have happened had I left in the condition I was in prior. It’s a testament to the type of person he is.”

“It’s hard to have great friends in professional sports because you’re so busy with your schedule, but if James befriends you, then he’s your friend until the end,” West said. “That’s hard to say about a player, let alone a megastar. When we do see each other, it’s like you were with him playing video games yesterday. That’s a credit to his character and his humbleness in how he was raised.”

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Source: Cleveland.com