In the 376 days that Carmelo Anthony sat in NBA exile, he had no stronger advocate than LeBron James.



James told anyone who would listen that his friend belonged in the NBA. When the Lakers season was derailed by injuries in James’ first year in L.A., he hoped the Lakers would find a spot for him.



They never did.



Instead, it was the Portland Trail Blazers in November who, finally, made the gamble; who trusted that Anthony could once again be Melo. Hobbled by injuries of their own and desperate for a spark amid a 4-6 start six months after a Western Conference Finals run, the Blazers had nothing to lose.



On Friday night, LeBron and Melo will be back on an NBA court for the 34th time. A year ago, there was no certainty that they’d get more nights like this, any more chances to extend the treasured matchup that originated in 2002, when their powerhouse prep programs faced off in a nationally televised showcase in New Jersey.



And for...