LeBron’s a big fan of his ‘li’l bro’ Ben

NBA superstar LeBron James considers Aussie Ben Simmons his “little brother” and has given the Philadelphia 76ers rookie some brotherly love with his All Star approval.

James tweeted his All Star votes this morning, backing “li’l bro” Simmons.

James believes Simmons has “the opportunity to be better than me” and is clearly in the 21-year-old’s corner.

“He’s like a little brother of mine and I’ve been with him and counselled him for the last four to five years now,” the Cleveland star said.

Simmons backed up the endorsement with a strong first half as his 76ers ventured to London to take on fellow Aussie Aron Baynes and the Boston Celtics.

Simmons scored 16 points to go with three assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks but, as they have so often done this season, the Sixers surrendered a big lead, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, 114-103.

Philadelphia shot out to a 22-point lead midway through the second quarter, but from there Kyrie Irving took over and the game was owned by the Celtics. Irving scored 20 points, adding seven assists and six rebounds, but a big talking point from the game was Simmons’ AFL-style hip and shoulder on Celtic Marcus Morris (19 points).

Simmons hit Morris at almost full pace after the Boston forward attempted to set a screen, sending him crashing to the court. He was quick to get up, though, shoving the Aussie, who just smirked and went about his business.

Simmons also had an entertaining duel with fellow Rookie of the Year hopeful Jayson Tatum, who had a quiet first half but burst out of the blocks in the third term with five early buckets to finish with 16 points.

Big man Baynes started and played 15 minutes for the Celtics, finishing with six points and three rebounds as guard Jaylen Brown top-scored with 21. JJ Redick hit five threepointers on his way to a game high 22 points for Philly, while Joel Embiid had 15 points and 10 rebounds, but shot just six of 17 from the field.