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Published 17:11 IST, December 24th 2020

LeBron James shares emotional Kobe Bryant tribute after receiving Lakers championship ring

In a recent Instagram post, LeBron James shared a Kobe Bryant tribute, which featured the Los Angeles Lakers legend being present at the ring ceremony.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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This year, the world lost Kobe Bryant to a tragic helicopter crash on January 26. The basketball world mourned for months, with players and fans finding multiple ways to honour his legacy. Recently, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James – who promised to carry on Bryant's legacy – shared a tribute for the NBA legend. Fans appeared emotional over the image, which featured the two greats together. 

Also read | LeBron James Instagram story makes fans compare his laughter style to Kawhi Leonard's

LeBron James Instagram update features a Kobe Bryant tribute after the Lakers Championship ring ceremony

Before the NBA season opener against LA Clippers, the Lakers carried out their championship ring ceremony. Some hours later, digital artist Jeff Cole posted the image, where Bryant stood besides LeBron James – who was receiving his fourth NBA championship ring after the Lakers title win in October. 

After some time, James shared the image on his Instagram account. "What I felt last night when I grabbed that ring from the case. Love and miss you my brother," the four-time NBA champion wrote, crediting Cole for his image. Fans appeared emotional over the image, missing their Lakers legend. 

Also read | LeBron James flaunts 4th championship ring at the NBA Ring Ceremony, fans react online

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames)

Also read | New Lakers championship ring pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, team's 17 NBA titles

The Lakers ring – given out without an audience – also honoured Kobe Bryant. All rings featured a mamba snake behind the players’ jersey number, paying homage to Bryant's nickname Black Mamba, a derivative of his own Mamba Mentality. It also includes a removable top which shows the Lakers’ retired jerseys – which included Bryant's numbers as well. 

The 18-time All-Star was the 1996 No. 13 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. He was subsequently traded to the Lakers, who he led to five NBA titles – one three peat (2000-2003) and one two-peat (2009, 2010). Bryant played his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, retiring in 2016. 

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James, on the other hand, led the Lakers to their record-tying 17th NBA championship. He won his fourth NBA title and NBA Finals MVP, second only to Michael Jordan's record of six. After Bryant's death, James had promised that he would carry forward Bryant's legacy, starting by winning the 2019-20 NBA title. The last time the Lakers won was in 2010, which was the last title they won while Bryant was on the roster. 

Also read | Kobe Bryant tribute: Dallas Mavericks to retire No. 24 jersey as fitting tribute

(Image credits: Jeff Cole Instagram)

17:11 IST, December 24th 2020