There is no doubt that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers are two of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA.
Even those who hated on both players have to admit that they’re legitimate superstars.
Sadly, James and Bryant didn’t get to play together nearly enough.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) August 19, 2022
That’s why when a clip of them facing off against each other surfaces online, people celebrate it all over again like it’s the first time.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins retweeted a video of James and Bryant squaring off in the 2016 All-Star Game.
The highlight reel gives us two legends playing with one another, having fun, and just generally enjoying being side by side on such a huge stage.
Today, both of these guys are known as some of the best to play in purple and gold but it’s important to remember they were close friends too.
King James & Black Mamba
Like many players in the league, James was so greatly influenced by Bryant.
It wasn’t just the skill that made an impression on Bryant, it was also the determination, the grit, the drive.
Bryant was always his own toughest critic and expected the most from himself and that is something James picked up from Bryant.
Some people compare James and Bryant and talk about who is better and why.
But that’s an argument that will never have a definitive answer and, therefore, is really a waste of time.
In the end, both guys should be celebrated for their own strong points and successes.
We should also be grateful we got to see them play together, even if we were left wanting so much more.
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