LeBron James Honors Kobe Bryant, Says He’s Proud to Make Mamba Proud After Nearly Matching Lakers Legend’s Career Achievements
LeBron James Reflects on Kobe Bryant’s Legacy: “I’ve Almost Done Half of What He Did with the Lakers”
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently delivered a heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant, acknowledging the late Hall of Famer’s monumental legacy in Lakers history and humbly assessing his own impact in the purple and gold. In an emotional moment during an offseason media availability, LeBron said, “For sure, I made the Mamba proud. I’ve almost done half of what he did with the Lakers.”
The comment, sincere and self-aware, instantly struck a chord with NBA fans worldwide. In just a few words, LeBron paid homage to one of the greatest Lakers of all time while reinforcing his own respect for the franchise’s championship culture—a culture Bryant helped build with blood, sweat, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
A Legacy to Live Up To
When LeBron James signed with the Lakers in 2018, the move sparked mixed reactions. Some fans welcomed the arrival of one of basketball’s all-time greats; others questioned whether LeBron could truly embrace and elevate the franchise the way Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and especially Kobe Bryant had done before him.
Six years later, LeBron has answered that question emphatically. He delivered a championship in 2020, provided elite-level production even into his late 30s, and has served as a mentor to younger teammates while continuing to rewrite the record books.
Still, Bryant’s five rings and his lifelong dedication to the Lakers organization remain the benchmark.
“Kobe was different,” LeBron admitted. “His mindset, his drive—Mamba Mentality wasn’t just a catchphrase. It was how he approached life. Every day was about becoming better. That’s something I’ve tried to emulate, even before I joined the Lakers.”
“Half of What He Did”
LeBron’s statement—“I’ve almost done half of what he did with the Lakers”—wasn’t just a throwaway line. It reflects his awareness of Kobe’s unparalleled accomplishments in Los Angeles. Bryant’s five NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, and 20-year run with the Lakers defined an era. He played his entire career with one franchise, which endeared him to a generation of fans.
By comparison, LeBron has played seven seasons (and counting) in Los Angeles and captured one championship. He’s passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and remains a nightly triple-double threat even at age 40. But in terms of Lakers-specific achievements, LeBron acknowledges there’s a gap.
“It’s not about comparing legacies,” LeBron said. “It’s about honoring the ones who came before you. I came here to carry on the tradition, to make sure this jersey still means greatness.”
Kobe’s Influence on LeBron
LeBron and Kobe were more than rivals—they were brothers in basketball. While the two never faced off in the NBA Finals (a highly anticipated showdown that never materialized), they shared the court as teammates during the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and developed a mutual respect over the years.
“Kobe was one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around,” LeBron said. “When we were on Team USA together, I saw how intensely he approached film, workouts, even warmups. He didn’t just want to win—he wanted to destroy you. That stuck with me.”
Following Bryant’s tragic death in January 2020, LeBron became an emotional pillar for the Lakers and the NBA community. His leadership helped guide the team through the aftermath of that devastating loss and toward a championship in the Orlando bubble—one LeBron dedicated to Kobe’s memory.
The Championship That Meant More
That 2020 title wasn’t just a career milestone for LeBron—it was a tribute to a fallen icon.
“Kobe’s spirit was with us the whole way,” LeBron said. “I felt it. Every time we stepped on the court, we were playing for more than ourselves. That ring meant everything because it was for him, his family, the city.”
In the 2020 Finals, LeBron averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, earning his fourth Finals MVP award. His performance silenced critics who doubted he could win with the Lakers and proved that he could uphold the franchise’s winning tradition.
Carrying the Torch
Now entering his 22nd NBA season, LeBron remains committed to finishing his career with the Lakers. With Bronny James joining the team as a rookie, the spotlight on the James family is brighter than ever. Still, LeBron says the pressure is something he welcomes.
“This has always been bigger than basketball,” he said. “It’s about legacy. It’s about inspiring the next generation, the way Kobe inspired me.”
LeBron’s dedication to the franchise extends beyond the hardwood. He’s embraced Los Angeles as his home and become active in the community. From charitable initiatives to supporting youth education through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he’s using his platform to make a difference—another trait Kobe shared.
Lakers Fans React
Fans across social media praised LeBron’s humility and self-awareness following his tribute to Kobe.
“LeBron knows the Lakers belong to Kobe,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But he’s doing a damn good job keeping the torch lit.”
Another commented, “That quote from LeBron gave me chills. You don’t hear superstars talk like that anymore.”
Many fans have even begun to embrace the idea of LeBron’s jersey eventually hanging in the rafters next to Kobe’s No. 8 and No. 24.
“He may not have five rings here,” said one longtime Lakers supporter, “but LeBron is a Laker, through and through.”
What’s Next for LeBron?
As the 2025-26 season approaches, LeBron remains laser-focused on winning. The Lakers have retooled their roster with a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, including Bronny, Dalton Knecht, and Marcus Smart. Whether they can contend for another title remains to be seen, but with LeBron leading the charge, anything is possible.
When asked if he still thinks about catching Kobe in championships, LeBron shook his head.
“That’s not the goal. The goal is to keep pushing myself, to keep giving everything I have to this team, this city. If I can finish my career knowing I honored Kobe and gave my all, that’s enough for me.”
LeBron James will never be Kobe Bryant, and he doesn’t want to be. What makes his tribute so powerful is that it comes from a place of reverence, not competition. By acknowledging that he’s “almost done half” of what Kobe did in a Lakers uniform, LeBron reaffirms something Lakers fans already know: greatness recognizes greatness.
And in doing so, he continues to build a legacy that stands tall in its own right—one built not just on statistics and championships, but on respect, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the standard Kobe helped set.
Whether LeBron ends his Lakers career with one title or more, his place in franchise history is secure—not because he tried to be Kobe, but because he tried to honor him.
“Mamba forever,” LeBron said, eyes shining. “I hope I’ve made him proud.”
