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LeBron James and Bill Hader in "Trainwreck," the new film starring Amy Schumer and directed by Judd Apatow. James plays the best friend of Hader's character. "Trainwreck" opens nationwide on July 17.

(Universal Pictures)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James made sure northeast Ohio would see his movie debut before the rest of the world.

"Trainwreck," the R-rated comedy in which James plays himself in a supporting role, will show in an invitation-only screening Friday at the Regal Montrose Stadium 12 in Akron.

The world premiere is July 14 in New York and the movie's wide release is July 17. It has been viewed by critics and in settings such as the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

Director Judd Apatow and stars Bill Hader and Amy Schumer are expected to attend the Akron-area screening.

A source close to James said that "LeBron wanted to set up a screening for his local family and friends. He's very proud of the movie and excited for them to see it.

"LeBron also wanted the stars in the movie, who he's grown very close to, to see Akron," said the source, who was granted anonymity to speak freely about James' plans. "He's excited about having another opportunity to show off northeast Ohio."

The Regal Montrose screening, reported first by the Akron Beacon Journal Monday, came together late last week.

On the court, James is a free agent at the moment, but is widely expected to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Both "Trainwreck," and James personally, have received high marks from critics. James portrays Hader's best friend and life coach.

"I'm like his love doctor, his love coach," James told Matt Lauer of the 'Today' Show in a segment that aired Monday. "Not the love interest, love coach, love coach that helps him through relationships, both bad and good advice."

In the "Trainwreck" production notes released Monday by NBC Universal, James expanded on his role.

"Amy (Schumer) is a bit of a trainwreck, and she sends my best friend, Aaron, through a collision course mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. But you got to go through pitfalls in order to get what you want, and that's the best part of this flick."

Hader, who appeared with James in the Lauer interview, said he had worked with James on 'Saturday Night Live' previously. "So I knew how kind of effortlessly funny he is and he's comfortable on camera and stuff."

In one scene, the four-time NBA MVP and six-time Finals participant James plays one-on-one against Hader, which Hader joked is in "every romantic comedy.

"Two guys play one-on-one while they talk about relationships," Hader said, according to the production notes. "But LeBron didn't hold back at all. He just kicked the (stuff) out of me."

James said "that turned out not too well for him.

"That's my best friend (in the movie), but listen, I hold no prisoners," James said.

Schumer told Entertainment Weekly: "I think (James is) all set right now employment-wise, but I can say with full confidence that I believe he could have another career in acting if he wanted."

Apatow said in the production notes: "We had a fantastic time shooting this movie with LeBron. It was funny, because while he was shooting every day, just in the chair next to us was the Babe Ruth of basketball."

In September, James and his media production company, Springhill, hosted a premier of his Starz TV show "Survivor's Remorse" in Cleveland.

The premiere this Friday, which starts at 7 p.m., will include red carpet arrivals, but fans without a ticket won't be able to get that close.

This story was updated with additional information.