“Here to Watch Kobe and Shaq!”: 18-year-old LeBron James Named His Favorite Player While Watching Lakers Take on Spurs in 2003

LeBron James was compared to Michael Jordan years before he ever entered the NBA. So, the world has made sure he knows of his potential from a young age, and how much of an icon he would become to kids around the world. That said, it isn’t like the then-young man didn’t have idols of his own. In fact, much like most NBA fans from that time, he was a massive fan of the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant Lakers. And on one occasion 20 years ago, despite Tim Duncan and the Spurs being on just the other side of the floor, the King couldn’t help but be entranced by one of the greatest duos of all time.

LeBron James couldn’t help but gush about Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal during the 2003 NBA playoffs

Right from his High School days, LeBron James had made a name for himself across the country. He was one of the best players ever seen in High School, and that landed him the top spot in the 2003 NBA Draft. James was so good that great players, including Shaquille O’Neal, went to Bron’s high school games as well.

Since Shaq attended his high school game, Bron returned the favor and came to watch the Lakers take on the Spurs during the 2003 Playoffs. When he was asked about the whole occasion by late, great reporter Craig Sager, here is what he had to say. Take a look at the clip in the tweet below by ‘Kobe Highlights and Motivation’.

20 years ago today: LeBron James watches Kobe Bryant and Shaq in the NBA playoffs. pic.twitter.com/MDhhk6UzfA

— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) May 9, 2023

“I’m here to watch Kobe (Bryant), and Shaq(uille O’Neal)… You know, Shaq came to my game 2 years ago, and I’m here to watch them try to get a victory”

James was also asked about being ‘the next Michael Jordan’ and whether he had modeled his game after him:

“I never patterned my game after anybody, but I can recieve flashes of Magic (Johnson), and some of Penny Hardaway, one of my favorite players.”

As we mentioned earlier, there was absolutely no mention of Tim Duncan at all during the interview. And the big man was arguably the best player in the NBA at the time. Such was the glitz and glamor of the iconic Shaq and Kobe Lakers. Even LeBron James, who seems to see absolutely everything on the court, couldn’t help but be taken in by it.

LeBron could get his 2^nd ring with the Lakers this season

For the first time since the 2020 Orlando Bubble, the Lakers are looking good again. LeBron James has four rings already and is looking for his 5^th to match Kobe Bryant’s ring total. And, of course, the Lakers are looking for their second in the LeBron era.

With their knives now at the throat of Stephen Curry and the Warriors with a 3-1 series lead, could they ride this momentum to the very end? Only time will tell.