‘Wit Me Every Single Day’: Lakers’ LeBron James Pays Respect to LA Icons Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle

From March 2019 to January 2020, Los Angeles lost two of its icons in Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant. Lakers star LeBron James recently took an opportunity to pay his respects to both of them.

He visited Lindsay Dawn Studios, where he commissioned an artwork featuring Nipsey and Kobe. He posted a picture with the art on Instagram and captioned it, “Wit me every single day when walking my hallways.”

Contrary to popular belief, LeBron and Kobe had a really close relationship. They competed against each other for years, but they always had the utmost respect for each other. They played on the USA team together as well, leading the team to multiple Olympic gold medals, and also a FIBA championship in 2007.

LeBron James continuing Kobe Bryant’s legacy in LA

When LeBron arrived in LA in 2018, he came to continue Kobe’s legacy with the Purple and Gold. He had a forgetful first season, which was filled with injury, disappointment, and ultimately a non-playoff finish.

In the second season, they were better equipped with the Anthony Davis trade. But then mid-way through the season, they got the worst news possible, when Kobe passed away following an accident. That news rocked the basketball world, but it hit the Lakers the worst because of their relationship with him and also because of what Kobe meant to the organization.

They were already in a lot of grief when the media built pressure on them to win the title for Kobe. But the players braved it all and emerged as champions. They beat the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Finals to bring home the 17th title for the Lakers. This was the ultimate tribute anyone could have for Kobe, and LeBron dedicated this title to his fallen hero.

A day after Kobe’s passing, LeBron said, “I promise you I’ll continue your legacy,” and less than 10 months later, he won the title for Kobe. He later posted a tribute on Instagram, with the caption, “Hope I’m made you proud my brother!! Love and miss you Champ!!”

It has now been over a year since his passing, but LeBron and the Lakers continue to pay their respects to the LA icon.

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