by David Jackson, USA TODAY

Not everyone refers to President Obama as “Prez” — but when you’re a Hall of Fame-bound basketball player, it’s probably okay.

“The Prez said this is real casual,” said LeBron James after Obama welcomed him and the rest of the NBA champion Miami Heat to the White House; James also referred to the president as “coach.”

The two have played pick-up games, and Obama has spoken fondly of the nine-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic champion; the president has also been known to compare his political chops to LeBron’s basketball skills.

Obama isn’t the first president James has befriended. During the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, James greeted former President George H.W. Bush by saying, “what’s up, Pops?”

James has been to the White House before, but like many visitors — even repeat ones — he seemed very excited to be in such an historic place.

“I mean, we’re in the White House,” James said at one point.

Citing his teammates, James said: “We’re kids from Chicago and Dallas, Texas and Michigan and Ohio and South Dakota, Miami. And we’re in the White House right now.

“This is like, ‘hey, mama, I made it.’”

… [For more on LeBron to Obama: 'Prez', click here.]