“Everyone Has My Jersey Already”: When LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Engaged in Playful Banter

Ever since he was drafted in 2003, LeBron James was the poster boy of the league. When he came in, Kobe Bryant was tearing up the league and was the best player at that time.

Since then, these two were competing to be the best in the league. As Kobe entered the twilight of his career, LeBron had surpassed him. ESPN’s Marc Spears revealed that when LeBron had more jersey sales than Kobe, he had a great comeback. He said, “You know everyone has my jersey already.”

LeBron switched to the Heat and then back to the Cavs, but Kobe spent his entire decade with the Lakers. So fans were bound to have at least one Kobe jersey since he was drafted back in 1996.

LeBron James: Continuing Kobe Bryant’s legacy

The two of them competed for years, but unfortunately, the basketball world was robbed of seeing them go face to face in the Playoffs. After Kobe left the league in 2016, the Lakers had a void of a star player. This was filled when LeBron declined his player option with the Cavs in 2018 to arrive in LA.

After two decades of Kobe, the Lakers were now blessed with another all-time great to lead the franchise. In his first season, LeBron faced injury problems and only played 55 regular-season games. Due to this, the Lakers missed out on the playoffs for their sixth consecutive year. Fans were unforgiving since they expected to be immediate contenders with LeBron.

So when the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis in the 2019 Off-season, LeBron got the partner he needed. Again among the favorites, this time they have lived up to the expectations. They are now one win away from getting the 17th ring for the Lakers, a decade since they last won a ring.

Ever since he came to LA, LeBron has always been respectful of Kobe. And after he passed away, he has paid tribute to him every occasion he gets. If they can seal the title tonight wearing those Mamba jerseys, it will be the most perfect tribute for the late Lakers legend.