LeBron James celebrates Cavs’ promotion of Brandon Weems

LeBron James may be preparing for his first season with the 76ers, but he still had reason to celebrate something happening in Cleveland.

The Cavaliers promoted Brandon Weems, James’ childhood friend and former high school teammate, to general manager Friday. James quickly responded on social media.

“YESSIR!!!! Congratulations my brother @BrandonWeems10!! Proud of you man,” he wrote.

Weems replaces Mike Gansey, who left Cleveland to become Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations. He will work under Cavs president Koby Altman and assume greater responsibility for roster management, contract negotiations, scouting and day-to-day basketball operations.

The Akron native joined the Cavs as a scout in 2015. He later served as director of scouting, senior director of player personnel and, beginning in 2022, assistant general manager.

“Brandon has earned this opportunity through more than a decade of exceptional work with the Cavaliers and by consistently demonstrating elite judgment and the expertise required to help lead our basketball operations,” Altman said⁠.

Weems’ close relationship with James attracted attention during Cleveland’s pursuit of the four-time MVP this summer. James ultimately signed with Philadelphia and has said the 76ers will be his final NBA stop.

So the longtime friends won’t be reunited professionally in Cleveland.

That didn’t make James any less enthusiastic about seeing Weems reach the top of the Cavs’ front office.