Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Larry Bird Said He Would Team Up With LeBron James If He Wanted To Have Fun, But If He Wants To Win He Would Select Kobe Bryant
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Larry Bird Said He Would Team Up With LeBron James If He Wanted To Have Fun, But If He Wants To Win He Would Select Kobe Bryant

Larry Bird Said He Would Team Up With LeBron James If He Wanted To Have Fun, But If He Wants To Win He Would Select Kobe Bryant

Larry Bird picked Kobe Bryant as well as LeBron James for teammates he would like to play with but for different reasons.

Divij Kulkarni
Nov 9, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

The NBA has seen several great players display their craft in the league over the years. The greatest of them all have left behind revered legacies decades after they retired. Each generation has certain players considered the greatest, and one of those names is undisputedly Larry Bird. Larry Legend played for the Boston Celtics for well over a decade, winning many MVPs, Finals MVPs, and NBA championships.  

And when fans think about Bird and players of his ilk, they always imagine what it would be like if he played in the current era. And not just that, many wonders who these stars would pair up with best from the superstars that have come after them. Well, speculation and discussion are always fun, but sometimes those stars themselves have takes on which players they would play with, and Larry Bird revealed his in 2012. 


Larry Bird Chose LeBron James As The Teammate To Play With For Fun, And Kobe Bryant If He Wanted To Win

Different players are known for different traits, and Kobe Bryant has always been known for his near-obsession when it came to winning. LeBron James, in contrast, is someone that has always made his teammates better and someone that had a reputation for getting guys paid. Both have done plenty of winning and playing well, though, so it’s no surprise that both their names came up when Larry Bird spoke about which players he would team up with to Bill Simmons in 2012. 

“Probably Kobe. Because of the fact he’s, well he probably wouldn’t be shooting as much as he is now. But his desire to win, his dedication all season to get better, and he’s just tough. But if you wanna have fun like I did with Bill Walton, you wanna play with LeBron. It’d probably be more fun to play with LeBron, but if you wanna win and win and win and win, it’s Kobe.”

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant themselves shared a special relationship, something that recently became apparent in the Redeem Team documentary. And both would also have loved to play with a prime Larry Bird; he was a stone-cold assassin of a scorer on the basketball court. Ultimately, these questions don’t mean all that much. Larry knew how to have fun, and he also knew how to win, so his picks were completely fine with LeBron James, who said as much during a recent interview. 

If you are interested in more NBA news, follow us on Google News for the latest updates.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Kobe BryantLarry BirdLeBron James
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByDivij Kulkarni
Follow:
Divij Kulkarni is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He has covered the NBA and the English Premier League, with 4 years of experience in creating sports content. Finding exciting and intriguing content about all things NBA is both his job and his passion. Divij loves the Dallas Mavericks and can be regularly observed getting emotional during games. Outside of basketball, he enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, consuming copious amounts of movies and TV, and spending time with his dog, Olivia. Expertise: NBA, Historical Sports ResearchFavorite Team: Dallas MavericksFeatured On HoopsHype, Sports Illustrated, Secret Base, MSNPrevious Work: Tribuna
Previous Article Magic Johnson Emotionally Reveals When He Found Out His Son Was Gay: “I Saw Early On He’s Playing With Dolls, Like To Play Dress-Up…”
Next Article The Worst Draft Mistakes In Detroit Pistons History: Carmelo Anthony Is Still Their Biggest Nightmare
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Aces head coach Becky Hammon yells during the first quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center
NBA News & Analysis

Becky Hammon Has A Better Playoff Win Rate Than Phil Jackson And Steve Kerr

October 4, 2025
Lakers guard Bronny James poses for photos during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Bronny James Feels ‘More Comfortable With The Ball’ And Lakers’ Schemes Heading Into Year 2

October 4, 2025
Warriors guard Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha Curry during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Ayesha Curry Never Wanted Kids; Claims Stephen Curry Doesn’t Understand Her Career Goals

October 4, 2025
Lakers center Deandre Ayton during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Deandre Ayton On Taking Only Two Shots In His Lakers Preseason Debut

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?