LeBron James Doesn't Think It's Fair That Fans Compare Him To Kobe Bryant

They each have their strengths but stand on their own merit.

BYErika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
16.3K Views
Harry How/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rough season, but the team is committed to regrouping and coming back stronger than ever. LeBron James knew that when he made his way to the Golden State from Cleveland, not only would he need to go through some adjustments, but fans would pit him against a Lakers icon: Kobe Bryant. However, in an interview with Jim Hill for CBS Los Angeles, James expressed that he didn't believe that the comparisons were legitimate assessments.

“I think that’s unfair. That’s going to be the only thing that’s unfair in this conversation we have today because I think at the end of the day, we are all different," James said. "Michael’s fans, Michael Jordan himself. Kobe fans, Kobe himself. LeBron fans, and LeBron himself. We’re all different on the simple fact that we all take different challenges, we’ve all had challenges, we’ve all had different courses, but the one thing that’s the same is that we would do anything to play this game of basketball every single day.”

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

"We would do anything to win and we would do anything to put our life on the line to win basketball games," James said of the similarities between himself, Bryant, and Jordan. "We’re just champions. We was born champions and we work hard and we want to be the greatest that we can be, but I think we’ve all had our own paths. Mike had his path, Mike was the greatest. Kobe had his path, Kobe was the greatest. I had my own path, hopefully, someday someone will say I’m the greatest."

“At the end of the day, I hope we all make our fans and make each other’s fans proud as well, no matter whether you love us, hate us, or whatever the case may be.”


  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.