For the first time since Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title in 2010, the team is on the verge of another championship under the leadership of LeBron James. With the Lakers just four wins away from securing their first NBA title since James joined the team, this potential milestone highlights the profound impact James has had on the franchise in the post-Bryant era.
James’s pursuit of another championship with the Lakers comes amid one of the most tumultuous seasons in recent memory, marked by Bryant’s tragic passing, a global pandemic, and widespread protests against systemic racism and police brutality. Achieving this championship would provide a significant and emotional resolution to a season fraught with challenges.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, James expressed his deep regret over never having a private meeting with Bryant. Despite their best intentions to connect, their schedules never aligned. “We planned to get together, but our schedules just never aligned,” James admitted. “There are regrets in life, and not having that moment with him is definitely one of them.”
James also reflected on his initial arrival with the Lakers in 2018 and the skepticism he faced from fans. He recalled how Bryant reached out to him with a welcoming message. “Kobe texted me right away, saying ‘Welcome to the family,’” James said. “That meant a lot, especially when there was some doubt about me coming here.”
Although James and Bryant were often seen as friendly rivals, they left indelible marks on the NBA—Bryant with his early 2000s Lakers dynasty and James with his championships in Cleveland and Miami. Their paths never crossed in the NBA Finals, but both players have had a profound influence on the league and its history.
James spoke about the lessons he could have learned from Bryant, particularly about winning over Lakers fans. “Having the chance to pick Kobe’s brain about what it takes to win over Lakers fans would have been incredible,” he said. “It’s about understanding what this city and this fanbase expect from you.”
As the Lakers prepare to face the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, James carries the dual weight of his own legacy and the desire to honor Bryant’s memory. Reflecting on a missed opportunity to face Bryant in the 2009 Finals, James expressed a lingering regret. “We came close to meeting in the Finals back in 2009,” James recalled. “We didn’t give the fans the showdown they wanted, and that’s something I’ll always wish could have happened.”
The upcoming series against the Heat represents not just a chance for James to add another title to his resume but also an opportunity to continue building a legacy that bridges his journey with the Lakers and the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant.
