Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James honors Craig Sager after broadcaster's death

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:21 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, SI Wire/Sports Illustrated

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James honored Craig Sager on Instagram after the longtime TNT broadcaster died at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.

“RIP friend!!! Great to have work with you, known you and watch you for all these years. My blessing to your family and many prayers sent to the heavens above! #SagerStrong” James wrote on Instagram.

Sager had battled cancer for more than two years. He was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2014. He went into remission after a bone marrow transplant, but the the disease returned in March 2015.

After scoring 41 points against the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Sager interviewed James. It was Sager's first NBA Finals game ever on the sidelines. James answered Sager's questions before asking his own questions to Sager.

“First of all, let me ask you a question,” James said. “How in the hell do you go 30-plus years without getting a Finals game? That don't make no sense.”

“I'm happy to see you, man,” he added. “Much love and respect. I'm happy I was able to witness it in front of these fans. We really appreciate you.”

Sager smiled and replied, "Thanks for entertaining me."

Watch the interview below:

Stars throughout the NBA took to Twitter to share their favorite memories of Sager.