Although they never got a chance to duke it out mano y mono at the grandest stage, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James’ names will forever be intertwined in basketball history.
The enigmatic pair’s lives couldn’t be any more different today, as Bryant is now enjoying the perks of retirement after 20 seasons, while James is still going strong in his 17th year and leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the best record in the NBA at 11-2.
The two superstars were briefly reunited on Sunday, as Bryant was in the sidelines to witness James do his thing in the Lakers’ 122-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center.
Asked post-game what was shared between him and Kobe when they made eye contact tonight, LeBron had this to say, per Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:
“Just winning. Championships. Willingness to do whatever it takes DNA. Two guys that came straight out of high school, a lot of pressure put on both of us at such a young age…”
“Just use that every single day on trying to be the best in the world. And inspire kids all over the world. We share a lot of similarities, and it’s great to be a part of the Laker Nation … just relate to each other on what it means to put everything into the game,” he added.
James also talked about looking up to Bryant and having a surreal feeling upon seeing him on the sidelines.
LeBron certainly made Kobe’s rare Staples Center trip memorable, as he punched in a game-high 33 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds.
Follow Us
Subscribe