Was LeBron James and Kobe Bryant friends?

“I don’t ever question myself, but when it’s coming from Kobe, it definitely meant a lot.” Though never met in the NBA Finals, Bryant and James were viewed as friendly rivals throughout their careers.

Are LeBron and Kobe best friends?

For years, the LeBron James-Kobe Bryant relationship had been defined by not meeting in the NBA Finals. LeBron and Kobe played together on Team USA, and they admired each other. But they didn’t share the deepest bond. LeBron had his close friends – Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul.

Who were Kobe Bryant’s best friends?

One of the more remarkable stories told at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service on Tuesday came from his best friend, Rob Pelinka. Pelinka, who was Bryant’s longtime agent before becoming the LA Lakers general manager, texted and talked with the basketball legend daily for 20 years.

When did Kobe and LeBron become friends?

February 2002
As a high school junior, James met Bryant for the first time. It was February 2002, and James had a game outside of Philadelphia, which happened to be the site of N.B.A. All-Star weekend. James and one of his friends went to an InterContinental Hotel so they could chat with Bryant for a few minutes.

Did LeBron attend Kobe Memorial?

Lebron James Explains Why We Didn’t See Him At Kobe Bryant’s Memorial. LeBron James was perhaps not among the many famous faces cameras scanned throughout the Staples Center during Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s public memorial service on Monday in Los Angeles.

Was LeBron close with Kobe?

Late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Lakers star LeBron James were said to have shared a close bond over their basketball legacy, which strengthened after James joined the Lakers in 2018.

Who was Kobe favorite player growing up?

Ivica Zubac may be a 7 foot center from Croatia, but his favorite player growing up was still Kobe Bryant. For many European big men, they look to players like Dirk Nowitzki for inspiration, but Zubac idolized everything about Kobe Bryant. “My favorite as soon as I started following the NBA was Kobe,” Zubac said.

Who was Kobe favorite teammate?

Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol was one of Bryant’s favorite teammates. The feeling was mutual, despite the fact that Bryant publicly called him soft and regularly taunted him, like when he hung his 2008 gold medal in Gasol’s locker after the United States beat Spain in the Olympic final.

Who is the better player Kobe or LeBron?

The Bottom Line: While LeBron is much more of a team player than Kobe was, and is more dominant and holds better stats, Kobe was a more versatile and complete player, a virtuoso with amazing skills and defense abilities.

Why is Kobe better than LeBron James?

Three reasons why Kobe is better: Kobe is a more complete player. LeBron might be more dominant player, but Kobe is a more versatile and well-rounded player, which gives him the edge. While LeBron is an all-around player, with explosive power that makes him almost impossible to guard, he lacks instinct and on-court elegance and style.

Who is better Lebron or Kobe?

Kobe is definitely a much better free throw shooter than LeBron. However, LeBron has been the better three-point shooter, and has consistently evolved as an offensive threat. He comes up with all kinds of ways to score points. When LeBron is in the inside, he is super powerful and very skilled. Why Kobe is better than LeBron 2019?

What is Kobe Bryant full name?

He is a former MVP in the regular season, final and all-star. Full Name: Kobe Bean Bryant. Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, PA. He entered the NBA directly from high school, and he has played for the Lakers his entire career.

What position did Kobe play?

Kobe Bean Bryant (born August 23, 1978) is an American retired professional basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in his entire 20-year career. He rose to national prominence as he became the first guard in league history to be drafted out of high school, drawing comparisons to NBA legend Michael Jordan.