Los Angeles Lakers: Please Stop Disrespecting The Legacy Of Kobe Bryant
According to some fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James is now the greatest Laker to ever wear the uniform. But here’s the thing. Has LeBron actually wore the uniform yet? And even if he did, how can people place him above the likes of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal or even Kobe Bryant?
I get it, James is the new “guy” in LA but still, how did people forget what Kobe Bryant did, not only for the NBA but the Lakers in general. LeBron is a talented player and has been in the GOAT discussion for years but this is Kobe we’re talking about. This is the guy who at the tender age of 18, decided he wanted to be the “guy” even with O’Neal already established in the league.
[MarkAds]You can laugh at the three airballs he shot against the Utah Jazz but then you have to take notice of the five NBA Championships he brought the city. There was no need to switch teams, he earned his in the same uniform, in the same city that took a chance on him. How can anyone part their lips or type that LeBron James has surpassed Kobe Bryant as the greatest Laker ever when he has not played a single game for the organization?
LeBron Will Never Own The Los Angeles Lakers Like Kobe Bryant Did
This is disrespectful. And for those Lakers fans caught up in the hype, you need to turn in your fan memberships. This is not even up for debate. If LeBron wins one title for the Lakers, it’s still not up for debate. Hell, Pau Gasol is a better Laker than LeBon James at this point and so is Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, and countless others. What LeBron has done before coming to Los Angeles has him on a high pedestal but it has always been the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and then the rest of the NBA.
To be honest, LeBron has never played on a stage this big. Taking on pressure has never been one of James’ strong suits but this is what Kobe Bryant thrived on. The “moment” is what he looked for and how he has made his career. Will LeBron be able to do the same for the Lakers? That remains to be seen. So, before anyone states adding more murals over the city of Los Angeles, please know, LeBron can have any side-street portrait he wants. The city and the Los Angeles Lakers will always belong to Kobe Bryant.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
