NBA Fans Emotional as Iconic Photo Shows LeBron James Playing Big Brother for Kobe Bryant

For 19 years, fans have witnessed the greatness of LeBron James. From starting off with the Cavs to playing at South Beach to the return to the Cavs, and now playing for the ‘Purple and Gold,’ LeBron has delivered 4 titles and plenty of exciting moments. Several of those moments would come whenever he matched up with the legendary baller, late Kobe Bryant.

While the two superstars would share several moments squared off against each other in the NBA, they would also play on the same team whenever the time came to represent their nation. The duo represented the USA National Basketball Team and won gold medals in 2008 and 2012.

And so, back in 2008, there was a moment during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics. A photograph of the ‘King’ fixing the tie of the ‘Mamba’ was taken, and this put NBA fans on Twitter into an emotional frenzy.

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NBA Twitter reacts to LeBron and Kobe

The picture froze a moment in time, where it appeared as though LeBron played the role of an older brother to Kobe by fixing his tie. This took fans by storm and made them emotional.

Several other fans had hilarious reactions to the picture, including mocking Dwight Howard.

Clearly, not only were fans on Twitter emotional about the picture, they also reacted with laughter. It just goes to show how a picture etched in history can bring about a range of emotions, especially if it involves great people like LeBron and Kobe.

LeBron and Kobe in the NBA and Team USA

Whenever LeBron squared off against Kobe during regular season and during All-Star games, it was always special for fans. The matchups not only featured great offense, but equally impressive defense too.

When they didn’t face off against each other, they’d suit up for the USA National Basketball Team. The duo would win 2 Olympic Gold medals together – in 2008 and 2012. It was like two brothers protecting each other as they faced the world. That was their relationship – forged by rivalry and bonded by brotherhood. Both of them pushed each other to be better.

Today, several fans attend Lakers games not just to support their favourite team, but also to witness the jersey of the ‘Mamba’ hanging from the rafter. Hopefully, LeBron and the Lakers can use this as inspiration to push for another title this year.

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