After Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant announced earlier in the week that he’s retiring from the NBA after the current season, the outpour of respect for the veteran has made the rounds, including one from Cleveland Cavaliers’ star LeBron James, who is considered one of the best players in the current generation.

In an interview with Cleveland.com, James commented about Bryant’s retirement and spoke of his admiration for the Lakers veteran and how Bryant has influenced his play in the NBA plus.

"I mean, in high school I wore a nappy-ass Afro because of Kobe Bryant, because he wore it. I wanted to be just like him, man. And I always said my inspiration came from [Michael] Jordan, but I always thought Jordan was so out of this world that I could never get there. Kobe was someone that I just always kind of wanted to be like and play like,” James said.

James’ comment echoes the sentiments of another superstar, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant, who said that he idolised Bryant and called him a “legend.”

James also talked about the 2009 NBA Finals, where Bryant’s Lakers met Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. According to the Cavaliers star, he regretted not being able to “hold up [his] end” of the bargain in bringing his team to the championship round, where a LeBron vs. Kobe finals would have attracted more hype.

"I know the world wanted to see it. I wanted it, we wanted it, he held up his end and I didn't hold up my end, and I hate that. I hate that that didn't happen,” said James, who lost to the Howard’s Magic in six games of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.

Bryant went on to win the NBA championship and was also named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player that season.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES