The NBA world – and the world itself was shaken beyond disbelief in the afternoon of January 26, 2020, when the news broke that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had lost his life in a helicopter accident along with his daughter Gigi and five other people.
Ever since, the sports community and fans from all over the world have posted countless tributes and tried to honor their memory, which is the ultimate testament of how impactful and inspirational he was to millions of people.
Needless to say, one of the most affected personalities around the NBA community was LeBron James, who idolized Kobe and had built a strong relationship with him since signing with the Lakers in 2019.
James and the Lakers decided to dedicate this season to the Black Mamba, even wearing an alternatejersey to honor him in the playoffs en route to winning their league-leading 17th NBA Championship.
LeBron James Fulfills His Promise To Kobe Bryant And Posts Heartfelt Message On Instagram
That’s why, in the wake of winning his fourth NBA Finals MVP and fulfilling his promise of leading the Lakers back to the topof the world, LeBron James posted a heartwarming message to honor his late friend: “Hope I’m made you proud my brother!! Love and miss you Champ!!#BlackMamba 24•8•2,” The King wrote.
A lot of people believed that LeBron James should have won this year’s MVP not only because of his impact on the court but also because he had to endure Kobe’s loss as the new face of the franchise, which is a huge challenge even for a legend like him.
Then again, if we know Kobe like we think we do, we know that he’s far from satisfied and that the best way to honor him was hitting the gym the very next day after winning that 17th Larry O’Brien trophy.