The supposed Kobe Bryant-LeBron James feud is arguably the greatest sports rivalry that never really took off the way fans wanted it to.

While the pair of game-changing superstars had some epic run-ins during the regular season, Kobe and LeBron never got a chance to go Mano y Mano in the grandest stage. The two could have gone at it in the 2009 Finals if only Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic didn’t spoil the party.

Bryant and James also played in different conferences, limiting their match-ups to twice a year (if we’re lucky). Save for some All-Star game battles and Team USA call-ups, we never really got the full Bryant-James experience that we truly deserve.

Despite never meeting in the playoffs, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James faced each other 22 times in 13 seasons. The King got the better of the Black Mamba, going 16-6 against him during that stretch.

Although their meetings are few and far between, it brought out the best of Kobe and LeBron each time. James held slightly better averages of 28.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.9 steals, while Bryant wasn’t that far behind at 24.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.

While the media and some rabid die-hards tried to paint a supposed animosity between the two,  that was just never the case. The Bryant-James saga was simply a tale of mutual respect between arguably two of the greatest generational talents the league has ever seen.

Sadly, we’ll never get to see this unique relationship unravel further following the still-shocking passing of Bryant last January.

Let’s recall five of the most unforgettable Kobe Bryant-LeBron James moments of all-time.

Trading game-winners

LeBron James did have the luxury of having a better team in those head-to-heads against Kobe Bryant, especially during the latter’s final seasons. Still, almost every game between the two was complete barn burners thanks in large part to Bryant and James’ refusal to lose.

The pair made it a commitment to guard one another each time, resulting in several epic last-second heroics from both sides. Being the cerebral assassin that he was, Bryant drew first blood against James’ Cavs in a back-and-forth affair in 2006.

After shaking off a horrible start shooting the ball, Bryant uncorked three clutch jumpers to steal the W. The dagger came in with 8 ticks left, as Bryant drained a ridiculously-difficult jumper over James and the 7-foot-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas. James had an opportunity to tie the ball game on two occasions, but he missed a free-throw and the possible game-winner.

Relive the amazing sequence below:

James exacted revenge on Kobe a year later, hitting a similar shot in Bryant’s face to stun the entire Staples Center. With under 30 seconds remaining in regulation, LeBron sized up Kobe in the left-wing before making his move. He created separation with a step back followed by a fadeaway jumper to put the Cavs in the driver’s seat.

Kobe blocks LeBron twice in All-Star game

All-Star games were just another avenue for perennial selections Kobe and LeBron to once again share the floor together. Aside from being absolute killers on the offensive end, the enigmatic stars were also equally fearsome on the other side of the ball.

However, it was Bryant who one-upped the bigger and stronger James during the critical junction of the 2013 All-Star game.

With Bryant’s West team holding an 8-point lead with under 3 minutes left, James used Chris Bosh’s screen to escape Bryant’s defense. But the Black Mamba recovered in time, as he cleanly swatted LeBron’s jumper, leading to a breakaway dunk for Kevin Durant on the other end.

No friendly smiles were shared after that amazing play as Bryant even glared towards James’ direction. With the game already in the bag for West, Bryant continued to be all up in James’ grill. With 40 ticks remaining in the game, The King tried to barrel his way to the cup. But lo and behold, Bryant stood his ground and once again rejected his shot and sent quite the message.

Epic Team USA scrimmage

While the rest of the competition shivered in horror at the sight of James and Bryant team up for Team USA in 2007, fans were also looking forward to their duels in practice.

True enough, the two were on opposing sides during the classic White vs Blue scrimmage. The White squad took an early lead thanks to the passing brilliance of Jason Kidd setting up easy buckets for James. Kobe picked up some steam in the second quarter, draining multiple long-range shots in succession.

The King then gave Kobe a taste of one of his famous chase-down blocks, turning down the Black Mamba’s dunk attempt in the third period. Bryant, however, got the last laugh. With the Blue team down by one with under ten ticks remaining in the fourth, Bryant took on Tayshaun Prince and drilled a cold-blooded jumper at the top of the key. LeBron once again got a chance to steal the victory but failed to convert his last-second try while being defended by Bryant.

Exchanging hugs upon Kobe’s retirement

As mentioned, Kobe and LeBron had more of a big brother-little brother relationship rather than indifference with one another. The late Lakers superstar even gave a glowing recommendation for James upon his signing with the Purple and Gold in 2018.

Bryant rarely watched games lives upon his retirement, but it was always a spectacle each time he returned to the Staples Center as a spectator. Bryant sat courtside twice to watch the current Lakers squad this season and exchanged a heartwarming moment with LeBron on both occasions.

Making this more heartbreaking was the fact that Kobe also had Gianna by his side both times. Save for that phone call James had with Bryant a day before his passing, this might just be the last two encounters he had with his dear friend.

James passing Bryant for third all-time in scoring

Although they weren’t even in the same vicinity at the time it occurred, James and Bryant’s careers will forever be intertwined by this glorious moment. The Lakers were playing against the Philadelphia 76ers (Bryant’s hometown) when James surpassed Kobe’s 33,643 career points to move up to third all-time in scoring.

The achievement marked the proverbial passing of the torch between one all-time great to another. While the milestone was indeed one of the most significant moments in league history, it will also be synonymous with tragedy. Kobe, Gianna, and 9 others passed away in a harrowing helicopter crash just a day after LeBron’s feat.