LeBron James has always been more than just a teammate—he's a lifelong supporter. And this week, the Lakers superstar proved it once again by celebrating a major milestone for his former Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers teammate, J.R. Smith.

Smith, a two-time NBA champion, is set to graduate this spring from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, and the news hit social media with a wave of pride from the basketball community.

LeBron took to his Instagram story on Wednesday to share a heartfelt message, reposting photos from Slam Magazine that show Smith in his graduation cap and gown. "SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU @teamswish !!!! 👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🫡," James wrote, a simple but powerful nod to a bond forged on the court.

Smith last played in the NBA in 2020, winning his second ring with the Lakers during the pandemic-shortened season. But his connection with LeBron runs deep—they were teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018, capturing a championship together in 2016, and reunited in Los Angeles for another title run.

Off the court, Smith has been rewriting his story. He earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award twice during his career, but his academic journey has been equally impressive. He enrolled at North Carolina A&T in 2021, even qualifying to play for the Aggies' golf team, and was named the school's Academic Athlete of the Year in 2022.

For LeBron, the celebration is a reminder that the bonds of basketball extend far beyond the final buzzer. As he continues to lead the Lakers through the Western Conference semifinals—chasing his fifth championship against a tough Oklahoma City Thunder squad—he's also showing that some victories are just as meaningful off the hardwood.