Los Angeles Lakers: Even with The King, Kobe Bryant’s throne is safe

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers match up during the first half at Staples Center on March 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers match up during the first half at Staples Center on March 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Juan Ocampo/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers throne that is owned by Kobe Bryant is safe despite the signing of LeBron James.

The Los Angeles Lakers are a huge draw for many reasons. The downtown Los Angeles skyline. Not known for its skyscrapers but does contain some of the tallest buildings in the US. Summer days bring shine to these towers, and by nightfall, these high-rises light up summer nights.

Some consider downtown LA as the heart of the city, with its historic and structural breakthroughs. At times, these buildings, backed by the gigantic San Gabriel Mountains, can be an afterthought. Spanning a bit over five-hundred square miles, the city of Los Angeles has much more to offer than just its iconic skyline.

Downtown LA includes the home of the Los Angeles Lakers — the Staples Center. The house that Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant built. After combining for three championships as a duo, O’Neal departed for South Beach, leaving Bryant as the lone superstar.

Three seasons since his retirement, Bryant’s legacy is relived through YouTube videos, memorabilia, but most of all, memories.

After witnessing every fadeaway jumper, acrobatic shot, buzzer beater, miracle-led comebacks, “shoot-it!” and “don’t-shoot-it!” moments, agonizing defeats, thrilling victories, Hall-of-Fame defining moments, and one unreal ending, Lakers fans laid eyes on what they believed to be the greatest player ever. And he was theirs. An idol who they could not stop rooting for.

That will never change. Kobe Bryant’s legacy is safe.