LeBron James Offers BFF Johnny Manziel Rehab Support: Cleveland Browns Backup Quarterback Backed By Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Superstar

LeBron James has come out in support of Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Johnny Manziel, a rookie NFL player who is signed to the NBA star's marketing company and whom recently announced that he was voluntarily going into rehab. The four-time NBA MVP and two-time champion said that it was a "good step" for the backup quarterback to receive treatment, and offered his support to the former Texas A&M QB who appeared in a total of four games for the Browns this year after being drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. 

How Johnny Manziel raised his hand and volunteered to go to rehab:... https://t.co/0KrHtVq15b

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2015

As The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reports, Manziel flew out of Cleveland on the Tuesday before the Super Bowl, telling "those close to him of his intentions." It was then on Wednesday that the backup quarterback "checked himself into an undisclosed facility somewhere within driving distance of Cleveland, a place that the Browns knew about and felt comfortable with."

She adds that Manziel -- who went 18 for 34 and a total of 175 yards in his debut season -- "was ready," with friends and family close to the NFL player feeling that because the 22 year old told them he was ready that he might actually take his problems and going to rehab seriously.

Those friends and family include former NBA MVPs. In the middle of getting his team's NBA season back on track with an 11-game winning streak and likely with bigger things on his mind, LeBron James discussed Manziel entering rehab.

. @KingJames offers support for @JManziel2 - https://t.co/RWcYfKWiQ7 pic.twitter.com/1mimNwMCeo

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 3, 2015

"I haven't talked to him," Fox Sports' Jimmy Traina reports James telling reporters after his Cavs beat the 76ers 97-84. "I found out about the information when you guys found out about it. If it's a guy that's seeking help, as a friend I support him. I want him to get better. With his friends and family, we all believe in him, and I think this is a good step."

BREAKING: Browns QB Johnny Manziel enters rehab according to family spokesman. » https://t.co/SMhPtzwgK4 pic.twitter.com/uWh3wQdL0p

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 2, 2015

As The Dealer's Cabot reports, "James' marketing firm, LRMR, represents Manziel in sponsorship deals."

According to Fox Sports Bruce Feldman -- author of a book on Manziel called The QB -- Manziel is "engaging, bright and very likable," but "also reckless." He adds that "Manziel can be quite introspective and often had perspective that made him seem wiser than his years. Beyond that, Manziel was about as close as college football has ever had to a rock star."

Feldman adds that "Manziel's partying, however, raised significantly more red flags as he was getting ready to make the move to the NFL,"

It's okay though, Johnny Manziel also has Stephen A Smith in his corner.

I applaud @jmanziel2 for getting some help. https://t.co/rrPjud9mcf

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 2, 2015