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

By Leandre Ochoa

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
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2. All about ‘chips — right?

A chance for more Lakers banners, but at what cost? Perhaps by way of losing pieces of the young nucleus — which, by the way, played a part in luring James to LA. Sure, more championships inches LeBron closer to Kobe’s five rings, yet, the major effect — bringing the Lakers back to the top of the NBA — would ultimately be fulfilled.

LeBron’s own legacy, like Kobe’s, is already set. James has come to the Lakers as an all-time great. He doesn’t need the Lakers’ history in order to imprint his place in the pantheon of NBA royalty, and the Lakers didn’t need James’ greatness to cement themselves as professional sports’ most storied franchise.

Whether or not LeBron is considered a failure for not bringing a championship to the city of Los Angeles is up to the media and fans to decide. But winning a championship or two should be met with the same consistency — it should be a triumph, and a testament to LeBron’s greatness. It can be celebrated, just like any other Lakers title.

Most of the Lakers’ major greats have been imports. Wilt and Kareem were both acquired through trade, as was O’Neal. Between the likes of James Worthy, Magic Johnson, and Bryant, each was obtained through a trade compensation or a draft day trade. Acquiring talent is the Lakers’ specialty. Even most of the palm trees in LA are imported from elsewhere.

Getting generational talent has worked for the Lakers in the past. It just so happens the Lakers acquired a superstar who is considered responsible for creating the modern NBA “super-team”, and constantly compared to Jordan, seemingly leaving Kobe ignored. All of this, on top of being hyped up as “the-chosen-one,” since puberty — and lived up to it.

This is something Bryant had no problem with and even went to lengths in supporting James’ decision to sign with the Lakers. Bryant spoke to Stephen A. Smith on ESPN radio saying, 

"“Dude, as people, you got to help your brothers do well…I had a great run, I played 20 years, it was awesome, I had a great time, we are fortunate enough to win five championships and all that. Now it is somebody else’s time. And this is what the Lakers have always been about.”"

On July 1st, the same day Klutch Sports announced James’ decision, Bryant took to Twitter to welcome King James with open arms.

From one iconic monolith to another.

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