Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: LeBron James’ Smart Response To Larry Bird Picking Kobe Bryant Over Him In 2012: “It’s Simple, Kobe Has Five Rings And I Have None.”
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 > LeBron James’ Smart Response To Larry Bird Picking Kobe Bryant Over Him In 2012: “It’s Simple, Kobe Has Five Rings And I Have None.”

LeBron James’ Smart Response To Larry Bird Picking Kobe Bryant Over Him In 2012: “It’s Simple, Kobe Has Five Rings And I Have None.”

LeBron James agreed to Larry Bird picking Kobe Bryant over him in 2012 due to the fact that James didn't have any rings in 2012 while Kobe had already won five.

Aikansh Chaudhary
Sep 26, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

During the 1990s, Michael Jordan was the face of the NBA. But after MJ retired from the league, they were in search of another player who could fulfill that role, and they found that in Kobe Bryant.

The Mamba was a superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers and was unarguably one of the best players in the league. So during the 2000s, he was the face of the NBA. But at the same time, a young LeBron James was tearing apart the league with his insane talent.

James’ true prime started when he joined the Miami Heat and formed a Big 3 with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Despite forming that elite team, James failed to win the 2011 NBA Championship.

So by 2012, most started to believe that James may be a good individual player, but due to the fact he couldn’t win an NBA title, he would never even surpass Kobe Bryant, let alone Michael Jordan.


LeBron James Was Aware That Kobe Bryant Was A Better Player Than Him In 2012

In 2012, NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird called LeBron the best player in the league. But at the same time, he picked Kobe over LBJ in terms of who he would rather play with.

“LeBron James is by far our best player in this league. I don’t think there’s really anyone next to him. I think he’s there [top spot] then you go down the list. Well, probably Kobe, because of the fact that … well, of course he wouldn’t have been shooting as much as he does now … but his desire to win, his dedication, to always get better, uh, and he’s just, he’s just tough. But, if you want to have fun, like I did with Bill Walton, play with LeBron. It would have probably been more fun to play with LeBron, but if you want to win and win and win, it’s Kobe. Not that LeBron’s not a winner, just that [Kobe’s] mind-set is to go into every practice, every game, to get better.”

Of course, it became a hot topic of discussion for the media, and just days after Bird’s comments, LeBron was asked about his thoughts on the same.

(Starts at 2:50):

“It’s simple, Kobe has five rings and I have none.”

It’s great to see that LeBron accepted that Kobe was simply better than him at the time. But fast forward to 2022, and James’ resume looks completely different.

He now has four NBA Championships to his name. Moreover, he still has a chance to win five NBA rings in his career because he may be 37 years old, but he is far from declining a lot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTTWedyp37o

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
ByAikansh Chaudhary
Follow:
Aikansh Chaudhary is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He is always ready to publish the most interesting news, legendary throwbacks, and the hottest buzz around the NBA. A die-hard Lakers fan, Aikansh will forever uphold LeBron James as the GOAT. In his free time, you can either find him playing basketball or soccer. Expertise: NBA, Trades, ThrowbacksFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersFeatured On A.M. HoopsPrevious Work: EssentiallySports, Sportskeeda, Lake Show Life, The Sports Rush
Previous Article Draymond Green Doesn’t Think He Will Get A Contract Extension Before The Season Starts
Next Article Russell Westbrook Reveals If He Would Accept A Bench Role With The Los Angeles Lakers Next Season
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

Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Jimmy Butler Compromised For Lakers Game With Brutal Injury

October 4, 2025
Chris Paul
Los Angeles Clippers News & Analysis

Chris Paul Sets The Record Straight On NBA Retirement Plans

October 4, 2025
Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks News & Analysis

Klay Thompson Reveals The Key To Mavericks Title Run

October 4, 2025
Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Austin Reaves’ Grandma Was Ready To Confront LeBron James For Yelling At Him

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?