LeBron James’ Relationship with Kobe Bryant Was ‘Always Competitive.’ Then This Happened.

In a new interview with Pat McAfee, LeBron James discussed how his relationship with Kobe Bryant evolved over the years

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant on Feb. 16, 2007 in Las Vegas. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

LeBron James is getting candid about his friendship with Kobe Bryant.

On Wednesday, March 26, the NBA legend joined The Pat McAfee Show for a lengthy interview on his career, viral confrontation with Stephen A. Smith and relationships with a few other basketball greats — including his late friend Bryant, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020 at 41.

As James explained, he and the former Laker "never had a real relationship" until they spent some time on the court together — and their bond grew beyond its competitive origins when they each reached a pair of major milestones in their respective careers.

"Until I became a Laker and he retired, that's when our relationship became like really, really good," James, 40, recalled. "He welcomed me. He called me, like, 'Bro anything you need in L.A., I got you. You a Laker now, you family.' We would have multiple conversations. Obviously, you saw him coming to a lot of games, things of that nature."

"And when I passed him in the scoring record in Philly, I think he had a tweet out there like, 'Keep on going, keep transcending the game...' That s--- meant so much to me," James added of Bryant's final tweet in January 2020, when he acknowledged James passing him on the all-time scoring list.

Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant face off on Jan. 19, 2009.

Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty 

James first signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 — two years after Bryant retired from the NBA. As he told host Pat McAfee, there were a few other moments that also strengthened his relationship with Bryant — many of which took place on the court.

"We was on the Olympic team, we had a great relationship there," James said of their experiences teaming up in both 2008 and 2012. "But it was always competitive between us. We were always like, I was on the east coast, he was on the west coast."

James also reflected on nearly being able to face off against Bryant during the 2009 NBA Finals — although his then-Cleveland Cavaliers ended up losing the Eastern Conference Finals to the Orlando Magic, missing the opportunity for a James-Bryant championship face-off.

"I f----- up one time in '09, I think it was '09, and didn't beat Orlando and didn't get an opportunity to play him in the finals," James said.

James' reflections came up as he also revealed what his relationship is like with Michael Jordan these days. While speaking with McAfee, the Lakers star revealed that they're in "a good spot."

LeBron James 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on March 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
LeBron James plays at the Crypto.com Arena on March 2, 2025.

Luke Hales/Getty

"We don't talk," James said, adding that he believes it's because he's "still playing" in the NBA.

"We all know MJ. Even if you don't know him personally, he's one of the most ruthless competitors there is. 'Til I'm done and he doesn't have to look at me run up and down wearing the number 23 and every time my name is mentioned, it's mentioned with his. He's like, 'I don't want to f------ talk to you," James joked.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

James has previously shared memories of his late friend Bryant, doing so after a series victory in September 2020, when he told reporters what it was like to get Bryant's approval after he joined the team.

"I do remember when I decided to come here, he sent me a text right away and said, ‘Welcome, brother. Welcome to the family,' " James said, per Yahoo Sports. "That was a special moment because, at the time, Laker faithful wasn’t [fully in on me]. A lot of people were saying, ‘Well, we might not want LeBron at this point in his career,’ and, ‘Is he right? Is he going to get us back [to the Finals]?’"

"So to hear from him and get his stamp of approval, it meant a lot," James said. "I don’t ever question myself, but when it’s coming from Kobe, it definitely meant a lot."

You Might Like
Comments
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. PEOPLE does not endorse the opinions and views shared by readers in our comment sections.

Related Articles