LeBron James is on the verge of passing Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
While some may have expected the famously competitive Bryant to be somewhat irked about the impending event, he has expressed nothing but excitement for his former rival.
“I don’t know if people want that or want to have this kind of contentious thing where you don’t want records to be broken or people there to surpass you,” Bryant told USA TODAY Sports. “You should be happy for the person that comes after you to be able to surpass things that you’ve done. It’s kind of juvenile to think or to behave any other way.”
Bryant also spoke on how James’ approach to this season has been noticeably different due to all of the criticism he received last season.
“He’s coming in this year with a chip on his shoulder obviously because of what everybody was saying that he’s washed up,” Bryant said. “When I first came into the league, the average age was like 33 or 32. Now that you’re 35, [the narrative], is ‘You’re washed up and you’re dying.’ It’s kind of silly. But I think he’s doing a fantastic job.”
As for James, he’s simply appreciative of all of the support that Bryant has offered him ever since the four-time MVP decided to don the Purple and Gold.
“He welcomed me here with open arms,” James said. “Just to have that support from one of the greatest Lakers ever to play, it’s just special to me.”
Bryant has been an incredible ambassador for the Lakers ever since calling it a career.
Chances are good that if James and the Lakers are able to bring a title to L.A. by the end of this season, Bryant will be amongst those celebrating the hardest.
