lebron james denied ESPN coverage Bryant signed with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018, in part because the organization treated Kobe Bryant's final season of his career with great care.
Appearing on X on Saturday, the Lakers star shared a cap emoji and wrote, “Report: LeBron James joined the Lakers in part because of the way Kobe Bryant handled the final season of his career.” I also attached a post from Legion Hoops.
James explained why he moved his family from his hometown of Cleveland, where he helped the Cavaliers win a championship in 2016, to Los Angeles.
“I came to the Lakers because I wanted to help Jeannie win a championship, bring that spark back to the Lakers, and watch my family blossom in Southern California.” james wrote.
“Why should I make decisions about how other people are treated? Mom always said, 'Stay out of grown-up business.'”
James candidly talked about how his wife Savannah and children (Lakers rookie Bronny, Bryce Maximus, and daughter Zuri) are enjoying life in California.
The report, published Oct. 4 by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, covers the Lakers' training camp led by first-year head coach JJ Redick.
“One of the reasons James came to the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 was the standard of care the Lakers showed during the final season of Bryant's career 10 years ago,” a source told ESPN. “James loved playing for an iconic franchise as much as he loved the way it treated iconic players.”
Scored his 60th point in this quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples.
Center, Los Angeles, California, April 13, 2016. Getty Images
Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in California in January 2020, spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers.
Lakers vice president of operations Rob Pelinka spoke to former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, a former close friend of Bryant's and who coached both Bryant and James on Team USA. I called and asked for advice on how to approach the end of James' career.
Krzyzewski told ESPN that his message to Pelinka was, “As we enter the final stages of LeBron's career, it was about how his legacy should be tied to what the team does.” “I said, that's not all you're thinking about. But is there a way to help position him in different ways on offense? Defensively?”
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played his last game on April 13, 2016, and the Lakers retired his numbers 8 and 24 on December 18, 2017.
James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30, signed a two-year extension worth $101.35 million to rejoin the Lakers in July.
The 20-time NBA All-Star could have earned a contract worth up to $104 million, but the Lakers accepted a $2.7 million discount to help them avoid salary cap restrictions. The paper reports. ESPN.
James' tweet came after him I replied to another post Legion Hoops shared a video clip of an NBA broadcaster saying Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook became a scapegoat for his Lakers teammate.
The four-time NBA champion, along with Anthony Davis, did not appear in the Lakers' preseason opener, a 124-107 loss to the Timberwolves on Friday.
Bronny made his preseason debut and played 16 minutes with two points, one assist, and one rebound.
James is expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Suns in Los Angeles.
