LeBron James and Kobe Bryant will always be remembered as the NBA Finals match-up that never happened. James made his entry into the league when Bryant was in his ‘athletic prime’ and was well on his way to being known as the Michael Jordan of the modern era.
Whenever the two Titans clashed, the basketball world would drop everything else to see who would outdo whom… Would LeBron dunk over Kobe or would the Mamba shoot a dagger in the King’s face. Ah, the good old days.
When James came to Los Angeles, a couple of years after Bryant had hung his sneakers, the Lakers fanbase wasn’t all that giddy. Nobody could replace Kobe, he was their god. But ever since the tragic loss of No. 24, the city has put its faith in No. 23 to make the purple and gold franchise proud.
In his farewell message to Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, who also lost her life in the helicopter crash, LeBron took it upon himself to strive and do his legacy justice. “I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man,” he wrote.
Having spent so much time in the league with Bryant, winning not one but two Olympic Golds for USA together, sharing similar notions towards social issues like education of youngsters and the empowerment of athletes, clearly James was devastated when the news broke out.
To show his appreciation for the legend and an idol, James got himself a tattoo as a tribute. The world got a sneak peak at the ink during the Lakers’ morning practice in El Segundo. According to multiple sources, the ink reads “Kobe 4 Life” with the art of a black mamba snake above it.
While the fresh tattoo is still under wraps, many believe that James will be revealing it for the world to see and appreciate on Instagram soon. Maybe ahead his side and he goes against Damian Lillard’s Portland Trailblazers.
Comments