Atlanta Hawks fans tried to throw some major shade at Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James in Tuesday night's matchup – chanting “Kobe's better” prior to a missed free-throw attempt.
Hawks fans are chanting "Kobe's better" at LeBron James 🤔 https://t.co/6dmW59iidc
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) February 13, 2019
James received the same verbal reception from Philly fans in Sunday's 143-120 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he finished with 18 points, nine assists, and 10 rebounds – nearly tying Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time list for 78 (fifth-most) career triple-doubles.
The four-time league MVP has long been apart of the debate between himself and former Lakers great Kobe Bryant. Though the two played at different positions in their illustrious careers, James' decision to migrate to Los Angeles this past summer only proceeded to resuscitate the draining argument.
Bryant was named to 18 NBA All-Star Games and won five league titles in his tenure with the Lakers – averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, over the course of his 20 years in the NBA.
The lowly Hawks, on the other hand, don't have much room for their fans to be jeering at an opposing player – especially someone of LeBron's caliber.
Article Continues BelowLet's just be honest here.
Pettiness in this manner isn't the remedy for a tanking 18-38 season.
The NBA found Tuesday, per ESPN, that there was no tampering violation by Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson in relation to potential contact with Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons.
Despite somewhat good news for the Lakers, they are falling behind in the Western Conference, currently holding the No. 10 spot at 28-28.
LeBron James is averaging 26.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game on .516/.358/.674 shooting splits.