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NBA scout blames Kobe Bryant fans for LeBron James’ lack of popularity on LA Lakers
Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images

An NBA scout has suggested that Kobe Bryant’s enduring popularity is why LeBron James still isn’t fully embraced by Los Angeles Lakers fans — even as he continues to defy expectations at 41.

LeBron James missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, but has since helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a 24-15 record, putting them fifth in the Western Conference.

What LeBron is doing this season cannot go understated, as he is playing excellent basketball at 41 years of age. But not everyone is convinced that Lakers fans are fully aware of what they’re witnessing.


Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

NBA scout says Kobe Bryant fandom stops LA Lakers fans from appreciating LeBron James

Speaking to Lakers Daily, an anonymous NBA scout admitted he had been wrong about LeBron James’ decline. The scout added that James has since proved him wrong, praising his form and longevity.

However, he argued that James’ greatness isn’t fully appreciated by the Lakers fanbase due to their unwavering support for the late Kobe Bryant.

“I thought he was done after the Suns and Raptors games. He looked so bad on both ends of the floor. I was like, ‘Yeah, Father Time finally got LeBron.’”

“It’s too bad he’s on the Lakers because those fans will never truly appreciate the greatness they are seeing because they are loyal to Kobe, which is stupid because Kobe loved LeBron.”

“Ever since that Raptors game, he has looked unbelievable. He looks like a top-10 player in the league again. It’s incredible. We will never see a player be this good for so long ever again.”

LeBron James continues to defy expectations at 41

LeBron James has averaged 22.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.8 rebounds this season, continuing to lead the LA Lakers in key categories.

Since his return, the team has gone 13-9 in games he has played, with his leadership and playmaking driving their push up the Western Conference standings.

The 21-time All-Star’s ability to sustain elite production this season has left scouts, analysts, and fans in disbelief.

Even at 41, his physicality and consistency remain unmatched, a testament to his preparation and longevity in a league that rarely spares aging players.

While comparisons to Kobe Bryant have long defined his tenure in Los Angeles, the scout’s comments suggest James’ accomplishments may never be fully appreciated by some sections of the Lakers fanbase — even as he continues to rewrite NBA history in purple and gold.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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