LeBron James to co-star in movie

Miami Heat forward LeBron James looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

CHICAGO — LeBron James is taking his game to the silver screen.

The Miami Heat superstar confirmed reports before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls that he will co-star with Kevin Hart in the comedy “Ballers.” Hart plays the brother of an NBA star who gets a chance to prove himself at a fantasy basketball camp in Miami.

James says the opportunity to work with Hart was a product of their “friendship” and “mutual respect.”

He says the role is “something I could relate to, as far as fantasy basketball and guys wanting to be basketball players” who “never had really had the great opportunity to be a professional athlete.”