“I Just Want to Put a Good Show for Him”: LeBron James on Kobe Bryant’s Presence in the Hawks Game

The Staples Centre felt the presence of a single person watching the game as Los Angeles Lakers beat Atlanta Hawks 122-101, for Kobe Bryant had decided to spend his Sunday evening watching his old team play. And he had one of the best among the current generation to watch. LeBron James put up another match-winning performance.

He registered 33 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds. After the game, James was asked if he was aware of the presence of Kobe.

“Absolutely, how could you not be? He’s one of the greatest players to have played this game,” LeBron James was seen saying in a video obtained from Spectrum Sportsnet.

“To take time out on a Sunday. He’s got one of the greatest female basketball players beside him (his daughter).”

“I just want to put a good show for him and give him a reason (for him to say), ‘Okay we might come to another game.'”

Lakers coach Frank Vogel was no exception when it came to feeling the presence of a legend inside the arena. “I got chills when the crowd started going nuts at his presence,” he said.

As per Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, LeBron was asked what shared between him and Kobe when they made eye contact to which he said, “Just winning. Championships. Willingness to do whatever it takes DNA.”

LeBron further said,“Two guys that came straight out of high school, a lot of pressure put on both of us at such a young age. Just use that every single day on trying to be the best in the world. And inspire kids all over the world. We share a lot of similarities, and it’s great to be a part of the Laker Nation … just relate to each other on what it means to put everything into the game.”

“Just to have that support, from one of the greatest Lakers to ever play is special for me.”