“He’s Here In The Building”: LeBron James Reveals He Felt Kobe Bryant’s Presence during Win Over Blazers

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers paid a brilliant tribute to Kobe Bryant last night on Mamba Day. Not only did they don the jerseys designed by him a couple of years back, but they also won by a huge margin to go 3-1 up in the series.

The Lakers started off strong in the first quarter. With less than five minutes to go, they were up 24-8. With 24 and 8 being Kobe’s numbers, it was the most iconic part of the game and James even brought it up in the post-match press conference.

“I did notice we were up 24-8,” LeBron said. “I’m always trying to figure out what’s going on throughout the course of the game. When I looked up there and saw 24-8 I was like ‘okay, he’s here in the building.’ It was a beautiful night for our franchise. Something that we’ll probably always remember. Game 4 of the 2020 Playoffs.”

LeBron James honored to be part of the Lakers

“It’s been an honor to just put on a Laker uniform, even before the passing of the great Kobe Bryant,” LeBron said. “Tonight was another one of those moments for myself as well as the organization (that) all the players were able to wear those uniforms that were inspired by him, his mind and creativity.”

The Lakers were too hot to handle for the Blazers as they scored a mammoth 135 points to end the game. That’s the most they have scored in the postseason since 1987. If Anthony Davis and LeBron James had played over 30 minutes, the scoreline would be have been way more lopsided.

Right from the tip-off, the Lakers attacked, and by the end of the first half, they led 80-51. After building up a huge lead, the Lakers slowed it down. Davis sat out the whole fourth quarter due to back spasms, but many suspected he was just resting. The Lakers led by 38 at one point, ending the game with a 20 point victory.

Last time the Lakers played the Blazers during a Mamba tribute, they ended up losing. But last night they were on a mission and they delivered. The Lakers play the Blazers again tomorrow night in Game 5, and they will hope to wrap things up.