LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018 for the ‘standard of care’ shown to Kobe Bryant

LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 partly due to their care for the late legend, Kobe Bryant.

LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018 for the ‘standard of care’ shown to Kobe Bryant

LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018, inspired by the organization’s commitment to Kobe Bryant

When LeBron James chose to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 not many know that the decision was influenced by more than just basketball. In an article, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote that James was impressed by how the Lakers cared for franchise legend Kobe Bryant during his final seasons. 

As a result, that motivated LeBron James and it played a role in his decision to not only join them but to stick with them through the twilight of his own career. He is now taking part in his 22nd NBA season and seventh with the Purple and Gold.

YouTube video

Part of the reason James came to the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 is the standard of care they showed during the final seasons of Bryant’s career a decade ago. James liked playing for an iconic franchise as much as he liked how it treated its iconic players.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote

Furthermore, there’s no denying that James has been a dominant force for the team, as he led them to an NBA championship in 2020. Also, he has averaged 27 points, eight assists, and 7.9 rebounds during his tenure with the Lakers. 

FS Video

He went further to prove his commitment during the offseason, when he signed a two-year deal worth $104 million. The Lakers repaid the trust when they drafted his son, Bronny, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, which may give James extra motivation to extend his career a bit longer. 

RELATED
Warriors rejected Bronny James out of ‘respect’ for LeBron James, reveals insider 
Bronny and LeBron James

LeBron James speaks on his NBA legacy

While he may have joined the Lakers to get the Kobe Bryant treatment, his time has not been exactly trophy-laden, notwithstanding, he is still hungry for more. His career has seen him clinch four championships, four NBA Finals MVPs, four league MVPs, 20 All-NBA selections, and 20 All-Star appearances. 

Everything else is extra credit. I’ll take it, though. I love it… love what I do.

LeBron James told the reporters (via Lauren Jones)

However, the debates which continually compare him to Michael Jordan may continue, but he has solidified his place in basketball history, having won titles with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat. Fans would never forget the 2016 Finals victory, where he led the Cavaliers to overcome a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Golden State Warriors.

RELATED
Boston Celtics REVEALED to be studying ‘killer whales’ after coach Joe Mazzulla’s instructions
Joe Mazzulla and Jaylen Brown

He did the unthinkable last season when he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 40,474 points. However, the upcoming season brings a new milestone for the King as he has the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.