Lakers News: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade ‘Were Just Trying To Make Kobe Bryant Proud Of Us’
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Lakers, Redeem Team
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

During and even after Kobe Bryant‘s 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, some media/fans made names for themselves by disrespecting him.

Instead of respecting Bryant’s impact, they tried to manufacture rivalries between past and present players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

These matchups were competitive, but there was nothing but respect between Bryant and his peers — even before this devastating tragedy.

On Inside the NBA’s one-hour special remembering Bryant, Wade revealed the conversation he and James had about this very topic, according to TNT:

Leading up to James passing Bryant for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, there was ‘nothing but love and respect’ between the two players. And when James accomplished the feat, he and Bryant spoke on the phone.

It is devastating to know it was their last phone call, but James has promised to continue Bryant’s legacy. He is also determined to win the 2020 NBA Finals, which would mark the team’s 17th and first since Bryant’s 2009-10 team.

Through all of the tears, there are stories like this that make Bryant/Lakers fans smile. For players like Wade and James who came after Bryant, they looked up to him and just wanted to earn his respect by competing.

They both accomplished that and it is up to them to carry on Bryant’s legacy to the next generation and continue to grow the game of basketball.

You May Also Like

Darvin Ham: Lakers Staff Decided To Shut Russell Westbrook Down At Halftime Against Hornets Due To Foot Soreness

With Anthony Davis already out, there is little room for error for the Los Angeles Lakers as everyone must step up in order to keep things…

Lakers Pleased With Lonzo Ball’s Progression, Though Looking For More Consistency

Coming into this season there was a ton of pressure on Los Angeles Lakers second-year point guard Lonzo Ball. After an up-and-down rookie campaign, many were…

Jerry West Believes Lakers Can Be Threat in Postseason

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently fighting for their playoff lives on…

Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Wouldn’t Be Surprised If LeBron James Plays Five More Seasons

Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss in the Western Conference Finals, superstar LeBron James admitted that retirement…