LeBron James honors late Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant by bringing the team to NBA finals for the first time since 2010.
LeBron James has shown once again that he is a force to be reckoned in the basketball court. For the first time in 10 years, the Lakers made it to the NBA finals after LeBron joined the team.
LeBron James honors Kobe Bryant with victory
On Saturday, the Lakers beat Denver Nuggets, and their victory led the team to the championship. Speaking about the milestone, LeBron James spoke about Kobe Bryant’s influence on him and on the team.
“Every time you put on purple and gold, you think about his legacy and what he meant to this franchise for 20-plus years,” LeBron said per Entertainment Tonight.
“Just that drive to always want to be victorious. It stops you from sleeping.”
LeBron said he could understand Bryant and relate to the Black Mamba’s mindset. He mentioned the sacrifices they do that at times, they have to put their family second to their career because they are so driven to be so great at what they do.
Bryant retired in 2016 and was hoping to spend more time with his family. His untimely death earlier this year has moved many to tears. Thousands of NBA fans mourned, and LeBron was one of them because the two were close friends.
The Lakers’ victory marks the first time the team makes it into the NBA finals since 2010.
James speaks about retirement
LeBron James had already won three championships. The 35-year-old athlete may retire soon. The average age of retirement for an NBA player is between 36 to 39 years old, and he is turning 36 on Dec. 30.
LeBron hinted that he is moving that way by speaking about retirement. According to him, when his career is over, he hopes to earn the respect of his fellow players. He also wants to be a source of inspiration to others.
LeBron’s best accomplishment
According to Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation, leading the Lakers to the NBA finals is one of LeBron James’ best accomplishments yet. He noted that the Lakers were the worst team in the NBA before they signed James.
The Lakers won the fewest games in the NBA. From the 2013 – 2014 season to 2017 – 2018 season, they only won 126 games. Thus, it was “pretty wild” that James chose them for the “golden years of his career.”
O’Donnell believed that LeBron chose to shoulder the burden of the team by choosing it over other teams, which offered him easier victory. Aside from LeBron, the team also signed Anthony Davis, but many still doubt the team over the offseason, including O’Donnell.
Apparently, LeBron and Davis have proven NBA fans that their tandem works.
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