On January 13, Beijing time, the Lakers played against the Kings away. Before the game, LeBron James updated the social media, forwarding his old sideline photos with Kobe Bryant. The photo was taken 18 years ago today, when the two met for the first time in their careers. James matched the photo with the expression of a snake and a crown, representing the nicknames of the two men: Black Mamba and King.
What was the outcome of the first meeting between the two 18 years ago? In the end, the Cavaliers lost 79-89 to the Lakers. James played 36 minutes and 26 seconds, shooting 6-of-20, 3-of-3 from three-point range, 4-of-5 from the free throw line, 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 6 turnovers. Bryant only played 17 minutes and 5 seconds, and in the game, Bryant injured his shoulder, only played the first half, 3 of 8 shooting, had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, all 10 points from the first quarter.
After Kobe Bryant's unexpected death, James repeatedly remembered this former rival and friend on social media, and he also had a tattoo commemorating Kobe Bryant. Now, on the 18th anniversary of the first confrontation between the two, James has also forwarded the photo to express his feelings.
Time flies, and the showmanship of 18 years ago has now become one of the oldest players in the league, but he still maintains a hot state, averaging 28.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game so far this season. In recent games, he has switched to playing as a starting center and playing well. In the latest episode of the show, sharp believes that James can be regarded as the third-ranked center in the league today, behind Jokic and Embiid, and he believes that James plays center better than Gobert.
In this game, Anthony was definitely absent due to tight waist, and Westbrook became the only player who has maintained full attendance so far in the Season of the Lakers.