![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_editorial_10055402ed.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Charles Baus/CSM/Shutterstock (10055402ed) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in attendance during the NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California NFL NFC Divisional Playoff Cowboys vs Rams, Los Angeles, USA – 12 Jan 2019 | Courtesy: Reuters
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_editorial_10055402ed.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Charles Baus/CSM/Shutterstock (10055402ed) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in attendance during the NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California NFL NFC Divisional Playoff Cowboys vs Rams, Los Angeles, USA – 12 Jan 2019 | Courtesy: Reuters
For 19 years, fans have witnessed the greatness of LeBron James. From starting off with the Cavs to playing at South Beach to the return to the Cavs, and now playing for the ‘Purple and Gold,’ LeBron has delivered 4 titles and plenty of exciting moments. Several of those moments would come whenever he matched up with the legendary baller, late Kobe Bryant.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-563980201.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, right, and Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James have their game face on as they guard each other in the fourth quarter at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. Lakers lost 9895. LeBron James scored 14 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter. Kobe Bryant finished with 33 points. (Photo by Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images
While the two superstars would share several moments squared off against each other in the NBA, they would also play on the same team whenever the time came to represent their nation. The duo represented the USA National Basketball Team and won gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
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via Getty
14 August 2008, Beijing, China — NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James of the U.S. looks on from the bench during the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games. Photo by Victor Fraile — Image by © Victor Fraile/Corbis (Photo by Victor Fraile/Corbis via Getty Images)
And so, back in 2008, there was a moment during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics. A photograph of the ‘King’ fixing the tie of the ‘Mamba’ was taken, and this put NBA fans on Twitter into an emotional frenzy.
(2008) Dwight Howard looks on as LeBron adjusts Kobe's tie on the opening day of the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/4ymOtnb0qE
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) January 31, 2022
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NBA Twitter reacts to LeBron and Kobe
The picture froze a moment in time, where it appeared as though LeBron played the role of an older brother to Kobe by fixing his tie. This took fans by storm and made them emotional.
My eyes jus started sweating https://t.co/o79yEbFUIh
— RR DUSTO🖤💛 (@real_KO) February 1, 2022
The Brotherhood 🤝 https://t.co/rG2i5mDesv
— SOLID & STURDY🤞🏾 (@waheedstheWorst) January 31, 2022
This picture screams brotherhood! 💛💜 https://t.co/j0XClifvdP
— DC (@DopeItsDanny) February 1, 2022
Bron and Kobe was definitely close. I’m not adjusting nobody Tie that I don’t Fw https://t.co/nY3sYzcHWW
— Matt Dixon (@mattybucketsss) February 1, 2022
It’s just upsetting because I’m sure we all thought we would get more interactions from these two especially since lebron came to LA. And since there’s no finals matchup. This is kinda all we got….😔😔
— Craig (@itsalwayscraig) February 1, 2022
#Laker greats!!!
— Purple&Gold+Blue (@Neio11) January 31, 2022
Several other fans had hilarious reactions to the picture, including mocking Dwight Howard.
Fix my tie youngin https://t.co/HcodYprsIo
— PaintBall Lawton (@jackofalltrade3) February 1, 2022
This how Dwight looking lol pic.twitter.com/dMGXO2zFUt
— akiltinto (@akiltinto1) January 31, 2022
He looking like "Can you adjust mine next?" 😂 https://t.co/8oPfQpQH0y
— 1ofDemBoyz♌🦁 (@HumbleYoSelf) February 1, 2022
Clearly, not only were fans on Twitter emotional about the picture, they also reacted with laughter. It just goes to show how a picture etched in history can bring about a range of emotions, especially if it involves great people like LeBron and Kobe.
LeBron and Kobe in the NBA and Team USA
Whenever LeBron squared off against Kobe during regular season and during All-Star games, it was always special for fans. The matchups not only featured great offense, but equally impressive defense too.
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LeBron James and Kobe Bryant NBA Regular Season Head-To-Head Stats
When they didn’t face off against each other, they’d suit up for the USA National Basketball Team. The duo would win 2 Olympic Gold medals together – in 2008 and 2012. It was like two brothers protecting each other as they faced the world. That was their relationship – forged by rivalry and bonded by brotherhood. Both of them pushed each other to be better.
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Today, several fans attend Lakers games not just to support their favourite team, but also to witness the jersey of the ‘Mamba’ hanging from the rafter. Hopefully, LeBron and the Lakers can use this as inspiration to push for another title this year.