Arriving in the NBA seven years after Kobe Bryant, LeBron James was still able to meet him there from 2003 to 2016 and become friends with him. However, a few years ago he admitted to harboring a deep hatred towards an episode in their shared history.

It’s difficult to say that they took part in the same era, having taken turns assuming the role of headliner of the league. And yet, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James spent no less than thirteen seasons simultaneously treading the floors of the NBA. They therefore had the opportunity to meet there on numerous occasions and to develop a friendly relationship, strengthened by their joint freelance work with Team USA.

LeBron James’ huge regret about Kobe Bryant

During the 2015-16 season, while James was preparing to win the third championship title of his career, Bryant was making his farewell tour in the various venues of the league. Goodbyes which obviously caused a lot of reaction at the time, including LeBron. Questioned about his old enemy on December 1, 2015, the latter summed up their very special relationship in a very beautiful way:

We always gave the best of ourselves when we competed and we always sought to dethrone the other. But we always had a mutual respect because we knew how much we both dedicated our lives to this sport. I’ve always voiced my opinion on Kobe, reminded how incredible he is, and there will obviously never be another one like him in the league. Never. (…)

I knew I had to constantly improve because of Kobe Bryant. I knew he spent all his time in the gym working on his game and how strong he was. So, every day I didn’t feel like training or every day I felt I had nothing left to give, I thought of Kobe. I was like, “Man, if you take a day off, he’s going to benefit from it.” You can’t afford it. »

A very healthy and legendary rivalry which almost reached its climax in 2009. Qualified for the Finals that year, Kobe’s Lakers were able to meet LBJ’s Cavaliers there. In any case, this is what many fans were hoping for, obviously a little disappointed following the elimination of the latter in favor of the Magic. A memory that the King did not forget and of which he kept a very bitter taste in his mouth:

I know the world wanted to see this. I wanted it; we wanted it. He kept his end of the bargain, I didn’t, and I hate it. I hate that it didn’t happen.
If they ultimately never met in the Finals or even in the playoffs, the two icons nevertheless took part in 22 duels in total, including some of the most memorable. And Bron can be proud of that.

Having come close to a shock against Kobe Bryant’s Lakers during the 2009 Finals, LeBron James revealed six years later that he still harbored great remorse over this missed meeting. A battle that would have made their rivalry even more legendary.