LeBron James shuts down rumors linking his decision to join the Lakers with the late Kobe Bryant’s career end.
LeBron James addresses Kobe Bryant rumors
Not one to let misinformation spread, LeBron James addressed and denied a report that claimed the Lakers’ treatment of Kobe Bryant at the end of his career influenced his decision to sign with the team. He made the clarification on social media what his main motivations for joining the Lakers in 2018 were.
The report suggested that LeBron James admired how the Lakers cared for their iconic players, especially during Bryant’s final years. Since joining the Lakers, he is entering his seventh season with the team, which will equal his longest consecutive tenure with a single franchise.
As fans would notice, before he arrived, the Lakers had missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons. Although they missed the playoffs in his first year, the addition of Anthony Davis helped them win a championship in the 2019-20 season, and the team has now made the playoffs in four of the last five years.
As for the late Kobe Bryant, his 20-year run with the Lakers included five NBA championships, 18 All-Star appearances, and a legendary final season.
🧢. I came to the Lakers cause I wanted to help Jeanie win championships, bring that Spark back to the Lakers and see my family blossom in SoCal. Why would I make a decision on how someone else is treated. Mama always said “Stay out of grown folks business”. 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/FsvTi5HqMU
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 5, 2024
The Lakers’ respect for their legendary players has extended to the four-time winner as well, when the team signed him to a two-year, $101.36 million contract this offseason and drafted his son, Bronny, in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
LeBron James praises Lynx Star Napheesa Collier
The WNBA season isn’t over as the other side of the playoffs saw the Minnesota Lynx take a crucial 2-1 lead in the WNBA Semifinals with a 90-81 victory over the Connecticut Sun in Game 3. After losing home-court advantage in Game 1, the Lynx bounced back with two consecutive wins, bringing them within one victory of their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2017.
FACTS!!! She’s a BEAST! Game so damn smooth and complete! TOUGH https://t.co/iV1bJzFM0X
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 5, 2024
Napheesa Collier’s standout performance drew praise from NBA stars, including Tyrese Haliburton and LeBron James, who acknowledged her talent on social media. Despite her standout performances, she is considered one of the WNBA’s most underrated players.
Collier has been instrumental in the Lynx’s postseason run, where she showcased her offensive and defensive prowess.
The 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year has averaged 26.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in the playoffs.