What is Cedi Osman’s relationship with LeBron James? All you need to know

Cedi Osman has been in the NBA since the 2017-18 NBA season and has had great years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. One of the highlights of his career was that he had a chance to play alongside LeBron James.

During James' last season with the Cavs, the roster was built differently. The only star alongside the 6-foor-8 forward was Kevin Love. The front office surrounded the duo of Love and James with relatively decent role players. One of those was Turkish forward Osman.

Osman spent his first season in the NBA as a role player that had championship hopes. As a new player in a different country, Osman had a hard time adjusting to life in the NBA. Interestingly, the former EuroLeague player had an odd encounter with King James.

During his first training camp, when the entire team scrimmaged, he accidentally stepped on James' foot, spraining the 18-time All-Star's ankle. According to former Cavs player Channing Frye, the Turkish was about to book a flight back to Istanbul, fearing for his life.

Curiously, this became the source of their bond and James was impressed with Osman's work ethic. Cedi Osman said in an interview that after the incident, the four-time champion started to respect him.

"That was the time when I felt I started earning that respect," Osman said. "That's what he liked to see, that I'm fighting hard, that I'm working hard."

According to a piece written by Chris Fedor, James didn't talk to Osman about basketball most of the time. He was more interested in getting to know his Turkish teammate.

Their bond started to get tighter as the season progressed. During the 2018 playoffs, the four-time MVP knocked down a game-winning shot against the Indiana Pacers during Game 5. One gripping moment about that particular game was when James ran toward Osman's direction to celebrate their win.

Since then, the two have shared a special bond. Even though James is playing for the LA Lakers, he still reaches out to Cedi Osman when he gets a chance.

"My relationship is growing even stronger with Cedi," James said. "Even though I'm on another coast, I've been keeping up with him."

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The role of Cedi Osman for the Cavs this season

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors.

Like any NBA player, Cedi Osman has learned to adapt and transform. Since becoming a young role player in the 2018 championship squad, he's become a great veteran leader alongside Love. Now, he has a different role, which is being a trendsetter for the young and rising Cavs squad.

Osman's only in his sixth season in the league, but with his experience, he's able to guide others to success. The Turkish national is averaging 8.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Cavs this season.