PHOTO: LeBron congratulates Bledsoe on new deal, defends agent Rich Paul

LeBron James was a vocal supporter of Phoenix Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe during the latter's restricted free agency. Now that Bledsoe has a five-year deal worth $70 million to stay in Phoenix, it's little surprise that James has taken to social media to offer congratulations.

James and Bledsoe share an agent in Rich Paul, who is fairly new to player representation. Paul is a long-time friend of James who has worked his way up on the business side of the game and had previously come under criticism for perhaps overplaying his hand in Bledsoe negotiations. The summer-long game of chicken paid off, though, and James was sure to give his agent and friend some love, too.

CAPTION: Congrats to my brother @ebled2!! Family stand for each other through the good and bad! I guess we still don't know what we doing yet huh Rich!?! #StriveForGreatness #Klutch #RWTW

Saying "we" should give you an idea of just how involved James is with Paul, Klutch Sports Group, and even Bledsoe. That's an important note to keep in mind as teammate Tristan Thompson, also represented by Klutch, tries to negotiate an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.