Rich Paul Says Kobe Bryant Would Support LeBron James Joining 76ers
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LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers after six seasons to sign a two-year veteran-minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move he says is aimed at extending his pursuit of NBA titles.
During an episode of the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said the late Kobe Bryant would have welcomed that decision. “I actually think this is something Kobe would be—hell yeah,” Paul remarked. “Because it’s a challenge, it’s a competitive move.”
James and Bryant formed a close bond while playing together on Team USA and later when James arrived in Los Angeles. Bryant’s final social-media post, made the night before his fatal helicopter crash in January 2020, congratulated James for passing him on the NBA’s all-time scoring list—a milestone reached in Philadelphia, Bryant’s hometown.
The 39-year-old forward will now suit up for his fourth NBA franchise after previous stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. James joined Los Angeles in 2018, when the team was coming off its worst stretch in history, and delivered a championship two seasons later during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.
With four championships, James is now seeking to match Bryant’s career total of five. He told reporters after the 2023-24 season that he had considered retirement but ultimately decided he “still has a lot left in the tank” and sees Philadelphia as the best place to add to his legacy.
Source: LakersNation.com
