Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers News: Kobe Bryant ‘Deadly Serious’ About Importance Of Passing Torch To LeBron James In Quest For Championships
Lakers News

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant ‘Deadly Serious’ About Importance Of Passing Torch To LeBron James In Quest For Championships

Matthew Moreno
Published: 12/07/2018
3 Min Read
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Lakers
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Once Kobe Bryant retired at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers entered into a true rebuild and search for the next star to lead the proud franchise. Years of futility and failed pitches came and went before the drought in free agency ended.

The Lakers did so emphatically, not just by signing the game’s best player in LeBron James but by adding him on a four-year contract. But for all the excitement, there was also a bit of an adjustment period for the fan base because of the longstanding rivalry that was created between the two superstars.

As fans remain in endless debate over whether Bryant or James is the superior player, both have been complimentary of each other. During an appearance “The Corp” podcast hosted by Alex Rodriguez and Barstool Sports’ Big Cat, Bryant reiterated the importance of the Lakers’ lineage continuing and being larger than individual players:

“My impact on this organization is to look forward. If I’ve taught this fan base anything, it’s that we want excellence. We want championships. It’s about the purple and gold. It’s not about one player. I came in here and Magic embraced me with open arms. As did Kareem and Worthy and everybody else; Jerry West, Elgin and all those guys. It’s our responsibility to do the same thing for the next generation that comes in. I take that stuff deadly serious. It’s like, ‘No. Guys, we need more championships.’”

Bryant reached out to James after his decision to sign with the Lakers and has continued to speak highly of his presence and ability to lift the franchise back to its championship heights. There was some semblance of criticism — though more of a critique from Bryant — when he said James could not necessarily continue to shoulder a significant workload.

James was understanding of Bryant’s remarks and similar comments Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson made, but he also maintained his stance of being capable to do whatever is asked and necessary to win.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Kobe BryantLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?