Media

LeBron James draws motivation from Kobe Bryant before Lakers take court for Game 4

Published by
Ryan Ward

After a surprising loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers will look to bounce back in Game 4 with LeBron James drawing some motivation from Kobe Bryant.

Before the Lakers took the floor on Tuesday night in Orlando, James was seen getting off the team bus wearing a shirt paying tribute to the Lakers legend.

In Game 3, Jimmy Butler put on a show for the Heat by dropping a 40-point triple-double on the Lakers. Miami was without Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic for the second straight game, but Butler was locked in and led his team to a win in spectacular fashion.

After the Heat made a statement in Game 3 proving the team could beat the star-studded Lakers without two of their starters, James and company will be looking to make a statement in Game 4 while practicing Bryant’s mantra of “Mamba Mentality.”

Unlike in the previous two games, the Heat will have Adebayo back on the floor for Game 4, while Dragic will attempt to test his injured foot to see if he can play on Tuesday.

It should be another tough battle for the Lakers with the Heat showing they have no intention of going home early. Butler’s squad is determined to prove its doubters wrong once again by pushing the mighty Lakers to the limit, even if it is to extend the series for one more game.

Ryan Ward

Ryan is a veteran sportswriter who has covered the NBA and NFL for nearly a decade. Along with numerous exclusive interviews with professional athletes, Ryan has been credentialed by the Los Angeles Lakers since 2011. Follow him on Twitter @RyanWardLA.

Published by
Ryan Ward

Recent Posts

Jordan and Shaq’s ex-teammate discredits LeBron’s ‘bubble’ ring after he’s called Lakers legend

The Los Angeles Lakers have sky-high expectations compared to the lion's share of other NBA…

December 21, 2024

‘LeBron makes the trades’: Carmelo Anthony speaks out on chances of Lakers dealing LeBron James

Amid chatter about the future of 20-time All-Star LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers,…

December 20, 2024

DeMarcus Cousins says he and Anthony Davis would’ve helped Pelicans become contenders if not for ‘dumba-s’ Dell Demps

Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins called out former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell…

December 19, 2024

Darvin Ham fires massive shot at Lakers: ‘Anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension’

Darvin Ham has had more NBA Cup success than any coach in the league since…

December 18, 2024

Bobby Portis on the difference between the Bucks and the Lakers: ‘We’re not Hollywood’

The Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2024 NBA Cup title with a 97-81 victory over the…

December 18, 2024

Report: Lakers are not interested in shopping LeBron, Anthony Davis unless they ask out

Perhaps no two players have contributed more to the Los Angeles Lakers since the start…

December 18, 2024