Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are two of the biggest icons that the sport of basketball has ever produced. Both players have been massively influential on the new generation, with many looking up to them and their respective games when trying to develop their own. But the two players also had a tremendous amount of love and respect for each other.
After Kobe Bryant’s last game against LeBron James in 2016, Bryant invited James to the Lakers’ locker room, gifted him a pair of his Nike shoes, and even signed them. James was thrilled at the prospect of getting a pair of Kobe’s signed shoes. The two shared a hug and were all smiles as they took a picture next to each other afterward.
LeBron James had an immense amount of respect for Kobe Bryant, and Bryant admired James for the way he played and approached the game. The two also developed their bond during their time together representing Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The two players were the leaders of the squads, as they led Team USA to consecutive gold medals.
LeBron James Is Still A Big Fan Of The Game
This wasn’t the first time LeBron James had shown excitement over getting shoes signed. During his first NBA All-Star game in 2005, James went around the East All-Star locker room to get signatures from Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Dwyane Wade, and many other players. James was and always will be a massive fan of the NBA, and the players that inspire him.
After retiring, Kobe got to witness LeBron James represent his team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe was excited at the prospect of LeBron signing for the Lakers and knew he would help the team get back to winning ways after almost a decade of failures.
Unfortunately, Bryant would tragically pass away in January 2020, leaving the NBA world heartbroken. In his honor, LeBron James would then lead the Lakers to the NBA championship that year, a win that was dedicated to Kobe Bryant and his family.
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