CLEVELAND (AP) _ LeBron James invited a buddy who has even more money than he does to watch him play. Billions and billions more.

Philanthropist and businessman Warren Buffett, wearing a black T-shirt with ``Witness'' glittering on the front, sat courtside as a guest of James on Sunday night for the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Denver Nuggets.

Though an unlikely pair, Cleveland's all-star forward and Buffet are friends and mutual admirers. They first met a few months ago over a lunch of cheeseburgers in Omaha, Neb.

``He wanted a few tips on basketball and I wanted a little advice on money,'' joked Buffett, estimated by Forbes Magazine to be worth US$52 billion. ``We switch. He tells me what socks to buy and I tell him what stocks to pick.''

Before tip-off, Buffett said he was eager to see his first NBA game in many years.

``I like basketball. I used to play when I was young _ not very well,'' said the 76-year-old Buffett, ranked by Forbes as the world's second-richest man behind Bill Gates. ``Of course in Nebraska, they tend to identify with football.''

Buffett said he has become a big fan of the 22-year-old James, who has built his own business portfolio. James signed a $60-million, three-year contract extension in July and already has endorsement deals worth an estimated $150 million.

``He's terrific,'' Buffett said. ``I just want to be partners with him. He can probably buy the whole place.''