LeBron honors Kobe after receiving title ring

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James poses with 2020 NBA champion ring before a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James honors Kobe Bryant on social media after receiving title ring

Originally posted on Sportress of Blogitude
By Jason Rowan | Last updated 12/23/20

The Los Angeles Lakers received their championship rings ahead of Tuesday’s season-opening game against the L.A. Clippers, and LeBron James shared a post on social media to let people know who was on his mind during the special moment.

The Lakers’ pregame ring ceremony at Staples Center was a subdued affair due to the absence of fans in the arena. James shared how he was nevertheless excited ahead of the event despite the absence of fans, friends and family.

It now appears that James felt the presence of a dearly departed member of the Lakers family during the ceremony.

In an Instagram story posted Wednesday, James shared a Photoshopped image of himself admiring his ring with an ethereal Kobe Bryant looking on.

“Love and miss you my brother” #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/gRm4QFcgR8
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) December 23, 2020

“What I felt last night when I grabbed that ring from the case,” James wrote. “Love and miss you my brother!!!!”

Bryant’s presence loomed large on Tuesday night as the Lakers accepted their title rings. James pointed to the sky presumably in tribute to Kobe after receiving his ring.

LeBron James’ and Anthony Davis’ families present their rings virtually. LeBron points his ring to the sky once he puts it on pic.twitter.com/ZmCzNtxhZS
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 23, 2020

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka also threw up a 2-4 after receiving his ring in tribute to the late franchise icon.

Rob Pelinka put up ‘24’ for Kobe after receiving his Championship ring pic.twitter.com/PUwUxGIN6r
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) December 23, 2020

The Lakers made sure that Bryant remained in the hearts and minds of fans throughout the league’s play in the bubble at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Fla., as the team chased a championship.

James even mentioned following a postseason victory over the Houston Rockets that he hoped that Bryant and his family were “proud” of what the Lakers were accomplishing in the postseason.

Bryant’s death hit James especially hard, as the two developed a strong friendship after LeBron signed with the Lakers.

Shortly after Bryant perished along with daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., on Jan. 26, James debuted a new “Mamba 4 Life” tattoo in honor of the late Lakers legend.

Even though it’s been nearly a year since Kobe died, expect the Lakers to continue honoring the legend, as was the case on Tuesday night.

This article first appeared on Sportress of Blogitude and was syndicated with permission.

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