How Kobe Bryant Impacted LeBron James’ Career Right From His High-School Days

The Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James in 2018, two years after Kobe Bryant retired. After a successful tenure with the Cavs and the Heat, LeBron arrived to continue Kobe’s legacy at LA.

While they might have been rivals when they faced off, LeBron learnt a lot from Kobe while growing up. After LeBron joined the Lakers, he spoke about how it started when he attended the ABCD camp. Kobe was also there and spoke to those young high-schoolers. A young LeBron spoke about how he wanted to be like Kobe and win championships and become an All-Star.

LeBron also narrates how Kobe taught him there was no substitution for hard work. He also reveals that Kobe gave him his shoes before the 2002 All-Star game. Despite being a size bigger, he still wore those shoes during his next game.

LeBron discussing how much Kobe Bryant impacted him growing up. pic.twitter.com/zC4aWORlxS

— Hoops Department (@hoopsdepartment) March 9, 2021

LeBron James talks about how he learned from Kobe Bryant overcoming his failures

After talking about how Kobe’s accomplishments motivated him, LeBron also spoke about how Kobe’s ability to get back up after his failures was inspirational. Before he became one of the most clutch players of all-time, a rookie Kobe struggled against the Jazz in a playoff series.

It was Game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-finals, and the game was tight. Including the fourth quarter and overtime, the 18-year-old shot four air balls. That led to the Lakers crashing out, and the young rookie facing criticism. In the following two postseasons, Kobe didn’t find much success either.

But in his fourth season, he stepped up as their second-best player by Shaquille O’Neal and took them to the title. This comeback inspired millions including young LeBron.

Dream comes true for LeBron with Team USA union with Kobe

After years of watching and idolizing Kobe, LeBron finally got his chance to play alongside Kobe in 2008 for Team USA’s Redeem Team. “It was a dream come true for me to be able to lineup alongside him,” is how he described the moment.

The 23-year-old LeBron played under team captain Kobe, as they won the 2008 Olympics gold medal. They got another chance to team up four years later with Team USA once again as they successfully won the 2012 Olympics gold medal in London.

They never got to team up in the NBA, and that was as close as it got. After Kobe’s passing in January 2020, LeBron took the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title, in what was a perfect tribute for the late legend. It was an emotional time for LeBron, who is definitely making his idol proud now with his performances in LA.

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