Why Kobe Bryant Fans Don’t Like LeBron James

As a life long Cleveland fan I feel compelled to put my 2 cents worth in. While it is totally understandable why many long time Laker fans have mixed feelings about LeBron's arrival. However, I don't think it will be long before you come to appreciate the opportunity to see "the total package" on a nightly basis. This is a man who has managed to play the best basketball of his career in his 15th season. Laker fans will now get to see him at his very best. It is hard to imagine that he can elevate his game further, but maintaining his present game for the next 2 or 3 years is certainly within his reach and would be truly remarkable. Having lived in Boston for most of my life I have had the pleasure of watching complete players such as Bobby Orr and Larry Bird. These are "pass first" players who were able to dominate a game by making all of their teammates play up to their best. You will be getting the same in Lebron. While he is a prolific scorer you will see greatness on nights when his stat line is 23-11-13. He is a totally stand up guy who will give you his absolute best every night and will also be an asset to your community. I'd love to hear what Jack Nicholson has to say.

Hmmm, don't like LeBron because he's a "diva" and "cockey" and Kobe wasn't? I would think after a few years in the cellar a true fan would want their team to get out.

There are straight up people who don't like LeBron, and for the life of me, I don't know why. LeBron has been this gold standard on and off the court. Kobe, many forget wanted off the team more than once. LeBron steps into a very good place being the best player in the world and helping out a team that has been associated with greatness every decade but last not forget that The Lakers have been terrible for the past 5 or so years. And LeBron makes a team great instantly

Lebron joining the Lakers was a huge move in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers are probably the best successful NBA team in history. With 16 championships and 21 players in the Hall of Fame, the Lakers are virtually unstoppable. Their success has been put on hold for a while though. It has been 8 years since the Lakers won a championship. Luke Walton has been coaching the team for 2 years. Magic Johnson, a long time retired Laker, is the president of the Lakers. He contributes to many of their championships. He has a vision for the organization. getting Lebron James on the Lakers is part of that. Kobe fans should be mad. In the five NBA championships Kobe has won, he was only Finals MVP twice. In all three of Lebrons' championships, he was Awarded Finals MVP. Kobe was really never compared to Michael Jordan. He was always compared with Tim Duncan. Duncan was a big man for the San Antonio Spurs, a powerhouse in the Kobe era. Everybody compares Lebron to Jordan, as the two greats. The Lakers are supposed to be Kobes' team. Now, Lebron can take that title from Kobe if he is successful.

Who cares about "Kobe" fans! What a stupid article. I admire much of what Kobe has done with his life, the Lakers, the NBA... but he has been devisive, difficult to work with, not one to play the team sport per se. Not exactly the personality that gains a stellar personal reputation. Lebron just happens to be a phenomena unlikely to be seen again for generations.

Show the disgruntled the exits! A line of the King’s subjects trying to get seats stretches to San Francisco!

Does Kobe Bryant still have fans?

Life-long Laker fan here and this is simple. Exactly what Thompson said. We are loyal to the purple and gold, one player does not outweigh the legacy of the team. No one cares what he did we just want him to do it for the Lakers and respect our heroes. And those dummies who want to rank Lakers but aren't even fans; 1. Magic 2. Kobe 3. West 4.Kareem 5.Baylor 6. Wilt What matters are the contributions to THE LAKERS. Kareem, Wilt, Shaq and now LeBron were great, THEN joined. Magic and Kobe stayed with one team and won 5. That's why they are at the top. Jerry West battled for years and finally with Wilts help won. Baylor never won. Even after West left he was responsible for bringing in Kobe and Shaq. Magic brought LeBron. Lakers are basketball! P.S. WHO CARES IF KOBE WAS ACCUSED OF RAPE? Girl has 3, count them 1,2,3, different semen samples in her panties. Was she gang raped? No she waited for him after work. Hung out. Did the deed. Then called foul. He shouldn't have cheated but nothing criminal. He paid to keep the record sealed and for her to keep her mouth shut.

Yes weve misguided ourselves through 10 championships from the 80s. Jealous much?

Kobe is a great player, but he is retired. King James will revitalize the Lakers and hopefully take them to the finals. Get over it. Hail King James.

As a long time Lakers supporter, going all the way back to the "Show Time" era, I was never much of a Kobe fan. Or Shaq either, for that matter. Being from the Old School era of basketball where emphasis was put on teamwork and personal sacrifice, I've never warmed up to the selfish, me-first brand of much of modern day professional basketball. James if the epitome of an old school basketball player who puts the team and winning first. Anytime the best player on the team is willing to pass the ball to a teammate in crunch time and allow him to earn his place on the team, he's my type of player. Also remember that the main reason the Lakers have been so bad over the last few years is because Kobe refused to take less than he could get in his declining years, thus kneecapping the team in its ability to sign good players. Once you've made a boat load of money playing a kid's games you should think enough of the team that made you rich beyond your wildest dreams to make some sacrifices to help them remain relevant. This is a concept few of the modern day players understand. It's all about them, and what they can get for themselves. My longing for the old days is wishful thinking perhaps, but those kind of old school ethics is what I respect and admire.

Listen. It's not about "Kobe fans". Laker fans know there is honor in putting on the purple and gold. Kobe and other Laker greats have set the bar, and let it be known that there was a sense of pride in being a Laker. Has Lebron ever express that in public (like PG)? I'll wait... We've yet to hear anything from him, but a business move...is he even happy? His agent sends out a snobby "Congrats" to RP, and we're suppose to embrace him because he chose us? Get out of here. It all seems like the best time to join this young core, business moves, and not true destiny. I legit think we were a year away from the playoffs with or without a big name, and Randle / I.T. still here. Now it's all about Lebron. Lebron is a different kind of athlete who has transcend, or dear I say become bigger than any franchise. Look at his influence in Cleveland, sports media, and how "his fans" have followed him here...it was never about the team with them, and he knows that. That's why he came to LA. It really doesn't matter where he plays, or what he decides. The circus will follow, and always deem it good. Don't get me wrong, we all know he is an all-time great, but keep an keen eye on his motives outside of the team. I mean...his likes on Twitter say a lot. Time will tell.

Imaging, leaving the town which loves him and come to another which gives him ehhhhh. Is been 2 week now, who's coming to help LB? Perhaps Kyrie is right.

While I am not particularly a present NBA fan, I would like to weigh in on this idea. Disclaimer; I am a NY Knicks fan of the late 60's through the '90's. Dolan has ruined basketball at the Garden for me. Having said all that, I have an allegiance to Cleveland, as that is where my husband is from. So, I have watched basketball from the 60's until now and will say this about Kobe fans; get over it. You will now be able to watch one of The Greatest Basketball Players Ever. Sorry, but Kobe is NOT towards the top of that list. LeBron is. He is the most exciting and talented player since Michael. With Steph Curry following close behind. Just embrace it and be happy that you will soon have a competitive team. On a final note about Kobe; I think he is, and should be, tarnished by the rape allegation in Colorado. None of us will ever know the truth, but the fact that he allowed himself to get into the situation shows me that he has less than good judgement, albeit off the court. But it impacts his overall legacy and he has to live with it. So the only Divas I see here are the fans in L.A. Let's also remember that one of the salient reasons LeBron left Cleveland and Ohio is because the owner of the Cavs is less than a good owner and sliding towards the Dolans of the NBA. Perhaps becoming just another dysfunctional NBA team. I wish LeBron all the best but am sorry to see him leave Cleveland.

Message to Kobe Bryant acolytes: Kobe retired.

6. reasons why Lebron will NEVER get another RING 1. Durant 2. Curry 3. Klay 4. Draymond 5. JR SMITH 6. Lavar BALL #dropsmic #getwoke

https://www.thedailybeast.com/kobe-bryants-disturbing-rape-case-the-dna-... He did it, then settled out of court. How can you support this person?

Re: Kobe, Greatest Laker (or player ever?)... undoubtedly a fantastic player and one can argue "he's the greatest..." But-- I'd add that Kobe tarnished his legacy by remaining on the roster well past his physical ability to compete at his best or even at an average for him. His enormous financial also cost hurt the team and led to their 5 worst performing years ever. Then there was Kobe's inability to get along with Shaq-- admittedly it takes two to tango and Shaq wasn't blameless either-- which cost the Lakers at least one or two more championships. I seem to recall there was a sexual assault situation involving Kobe in Colorado. Regardless of fault or outcome just being a "participant" didn't look good and reflects badly on Kobe and his personal legacy. So great as he is/was, Kobe is also human and the above points factor into his legacy as alleged "greatest Laker of all time".

Wilt, Kareem, Jerry, Magic, Elgin, Shaq, Russell, Bird, Moses, Hakeem, Lebron, Michael, Dr. J, Durant, Mikan, Oscar, all better more complete and emotionally positive team mates and players

"Why Kobe Bryant Fans Don't Like Lebron James" by Scott Cacciola encircles the mixed feelings surrounding Lebron James' decision to join the Lakers on July 2nd. Many Lakers fans expressed their disgust for James, who is commonly referred to as the greatest player of all time. Throughout the article, some remarks were directed towards his "cocky" playing style and his "diva" attitude. Other fans appeared to exonerate their excitement, carrying with them the hopes that James can deliver a championship to Lakerland during his tenure. I found this article to be intriguing because of the various responses to James joining the team. Many seemed excited about the move, while others were deeply saddened by the acquisition. I believe that Lakers fans are hiding the true reason they are distraught by the acquisition and covering it up by offending James' game. Lakers fans are in fear that Lebron James will overtake Kobe as the best player in the franchise's storied history. Kobe Bryant was one of the most persistent, aggressive, and exciting players the game of basketball has ever seen. With that being said, to have one of the most polarizing players in the league in Lebron James join a team that prides themselves on humility and passion that Kobe Bryant brought is upsetting in a way. I believe that James will have an illustrious career in Los Angeles, but he will never dethrone Kobe Bryant's spot as the greatest Laker of all time.

I highly recommend 'RJBBoston's comment … At the same time, assuming he or she is a Celtics' and Red Sox' (Sox's? Soxs's Socks') fan, it hurts a bit to favor anything he or she offers!

Kobe was a gifted scorer, gifted physically and driven to perform. But LeBron is ultimately the greater player - he has worked relentlessly through his career to improve and diversify his skills and is now the full package - outside, inside, shooting, passing, rebounding, and making game-saving blocks. Kobe’s championships and many of his greatest performances came on Laker teams with a very strong supporting cast. LeBron, especially in his Cleveland years wasn’t so blessed; he carried those teams to their successes. Like Wilt, Magic, and Shaquille, Kobe will ultimately be star in the pantheon of Laker greats. But as Satchel Paige put it: “Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you.” The future is now; and it’s LeBron

Miami Heat fan for 18 years here. My advice to Lakers fans: enjoy his playmaker abilities and wins he will bring, but don’t get emotionally attached to him as a person.

LEBRON signed a series of short term contract that made for a very uncomfortable situation for the Cavs and all CLE fans. Also star players, already not exactly excited about playing in small market rust belt CLE, never lined-up to come play with him because nobody knew what the “King” would do - he held the city and its fans hostage because he wanted to keep his options open. Sorry, not impressed with the man - he’s fully obsessed with himself and his own legacy.

LeBron chases rings, period. If his team doesn't win a championship, after being tailored to Mr. James' desires, he moves on.

I find this article ridiculous. I think most of the people that are quoted here have very sparse basketball smarts. And if they are true Laker fans they will definitely change there tune once the Lakers make the playoffs. Also I personally believe Bryant was the probably the second best guard ever, certainly in the top five. But he dragged the team down his last year because of his ego. He also probably committed statutory rape, at least he cheated on his wife. And was to me just very annoying, probably to Shaq too. Mr James has led an exemplary life and a great role model. They should be thanking the lucky stars LeBron decided to come there. Which unless Kawhi Leonard is coming also, it still makes no sense to me.

Most likely, apart from basketball skills, James is a consummate, relentlessly hard-working athlete, who has had only winning on his mind and has Not been arrested for Felony Sexual Assault.

Scott, great article some great comments from the fans. You get a gold star. Keep it up. Kelly

Give me LeBron every time, he leads from the front.

What 37-year old with two eyes and a working brain can claim with a straight face that Bryant was the best basketball player that they've ever seen?

What a joke- really? some Lakers fans? They are so freakin lucky to get Lebron its ridiculous. SOme fans are for the team, some are for individual players. Its apples and oranges here so comparisons concerning loyalty ,diva ism etc are not exactly NBA analytics material

The best thing about LeBron’s move is that it may hasten the exit of the Ball family and its patriarch toward their inevitable residence in the far corner of sports “never was” and “whatever happened to?” land. Not having to bump into, or flee from, a Ball-related story is something everyone should be able to get behind. God bless LeBron if that side-effect becomes reality.

I have a feeling that LeBron will bear up despite the disappointment that he won’t get to hang out with some guy named Matt Sheldon.

Kobe didn't always make the players around him better, and often, he didn't even try to do so. Sure, he'd score 35 points, but he'd go 11 for 38 from the floor, with 10 points from the free throw line. Lebron works hard to move the ball and involve teammates. He only carries the full load when he has to, and he had to do it way too much last season. Great players elevate the games of the players around them. Kobe was too often content to score 50 in a loss.

Lebron a diva?! Compared with the one who thinks he's the greatest Lebron is a normal humble person. I have been watching NBA for over 50 years and I never saw a superstar insist on being the the number one option waaay past his prime like Kobe did. I fault the Lakers for going along with it and retarding their development 2 or 3 years in the process all to pay homage to what. Lebron is a mature leader of a team. Kobe was a great shot maker. There are at least a 20 players I would take over him. Go Lakers Also, Chris, Jerry never played against Clyde, are you thinking of Oscar r.?

Lebron a diva?! Compared with the one who thinks he's the greatest Lebron is a normal humble person. I have been watching NBA for over 50 years and I never saw a superstar insist on being the the number one option waaay past his prime like Kobe did. I fault the Lakers for going along with it and retarding their development 2 or 3 years in the process all to pay homage to what. Lebron is a mature leader of a team. Kobe was a great shot maker. There are at least a 20 players I would take over him. Go Lakers

Kobe ranks far below Kareem and Wilt on the greatness totem pole, below live Magic and Jerry West. I would put Kobe at or slightly below them. There is also Elgin Baylor, one of the greatest pure shooters in the game. As athletes go, Wilt is arguably at the top (see SI article from 60's). As basketball goes, Kareem, Magic, Jerry. If you want to see the greatness of Jerry, watch his play against Clyde. When he was healthy, he ate his lunch. If you want to see the greatness of Magic, watch his games when Kareem was hurt. Kobe is an athletic scorer, a shade less as an overall player. You have to be old enough to have seen all this.

Didn't Kobe get away with an"alleged"rape? LeBron James is a family man, and has the grace to use his platform for what should be important to us all. When LeBron brings back a title to the Lakers it will not matter how some fans are critical now. Kobe was an albatross his last few seasons, a has been, milking a huge paycheck.

Cheer up, Kobe fans! LeBron will have you loving him all the way into the playoffs. Where you'll lose to the "whiniest team in the NBA": the GS Warriors.

How can you write about the heroic Kobe, particularly as you quote young women, without a reference to the awful case in Colorado? The charges were dropped, but he wasn’t cleared. He settled a civil suit. Did you ask any of the young women and men why that didn’t seem to matter?

'Why Kobe Bryant Fans Don't Like LeBron James' This is easy. Laker fans have spent so long convincing themselves that Kobe Bryant was the next Michael Jordan that, faced with the real deal in James, they reject him out of hand. It's as perfectly natural as it is entirely misguided.

Thanks, that was a great story. Lebron's always been a big disrupter, so I wouldn't expect anything different in LA.

This article could have been better, but to chose to stick with traditional narratives instead doing a deeper and more thought provoking analysis. There is this assumption that Kobe stans are resisting James because they are concerned he may "supplant" Kobe's legacy. This is far from reality. James is a 33 going on 34 year old aging superstar (and still one of the best players in the world), but many Laker fans are questioning is commitment to the purple and gold. Why are you here? To win championships or to make movies? James is great enough to balance both, but in a conference with a perennial titan (the Warriors) and other formidable teams that are getting better, his move seems suspicious. Why go to a team with rookies and second year players, when there were other teams that made better basketball sense? Why go to a tougher conference which will only decrease your chances of winning a title? James has always been about winning-even though his finals record is 18-31 or 3-6)- he one of the greatest winners ever. Period. But this move does not feel like it is about winning or atleast winning is second to post career ambitions. Please, do not get me wrong, I believe players have every right to do as they please, especially a player of James's greatness. However, this is LA, the city of champions. Also, Kobe is the arguably the greatest Laker ever and arguably the greatest player ever, so his legacy is secured and placed amongst the other greats. James is no threat.

LeBron + Magic = a good thing. When James makes the Lakers an appreciably better, playoff-bound team, all this talk "Kobe -yes, Lebron - no" will be ancient history. I expect LBJ to play point guard for Los Angeles to execute Earvin Johnson's plans for his team, and for James to assert leadership. It will work out quite nicely. They won't be the Warriors, but the Lakers will be much more competitive. Shaq came via free agency. Wilt and Kareem forced trades in de facto free agency moves. Jamal Wilkes was a fantastic free agent signing from Golden State. Why grouse about LeBron James? The last five years of the Lakers' have been the most dull in their history.