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LeBron James: "We felt Kobe's presence from start to finish"

2020-02-17T06:56:48.798Z


Winner of the All-Star Game Sunday evening, LeBron James returned to the meeting, but also to the many tributes to Kobe Bryant, who died recently in a helicopter accident.


Special envoy to Chicago

What did you think of this match, especially this tight final?
LeBron James: We really didn't know what to expect. It was a new format this year ( the two teams had to reach a target score, corresponding to that of the best team after the first break in the fourth quarter time, plus 24 points, in tribute to Kobe Bryant ). But towards the end, we all thought it was really nice. We looked at each other, clapped on the hands: " It was fun! ". There is a tournament in summer like this, where the principle is somewhat the same ( The Basketball Tournament) .

A bit spoiled for ending up on a throw? Would you have liked a rule more suited to streetball format?
It does not matter. You can win a final match on a free throw, so why not an All-Star Game? There are a lot of things going on in basketball that can't happen in the NBA too. You can make mistakes on each action and you will never be kicked ... I won several games on the free throw line. It's part of the game.

»READ ALSO - All-Star Game NBA: Team LeBron winner, Gobert (very) in sight

How did you feel about Chicago?
Look, Chicago is at the top of the cities that have produced the best basketball players of all time. There are lots of stories of great players at the high school, college, professional level… just take a step outside there and you see all the heritage that there is in this city, in this room. We could quote Kevin Garnett, who will enter the Hall of Fame. Isiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade… Anthony Davis will also be there. It clearly contributed to the atmosphere, all weekend.

LeBron JamesAFP

The legacy of Kobe Bryant was also present…
We felt his presence from the very beginning to the very end. Fans who chanted his name, with numbers on the jerseys, especially on Team Giannis. Each time you could see the 24 on their back.

»READ ALSO - NBA: Kobe Bryant on the way to the Hall of Fame

What is your best memory with him?
Having rubbed shoulders with him during the Redeem Team ( the 2008 Olympic team, which was to wash away the affront of 2004, where the American selection had failed to bring back the gold ). We have so many memories of those moments. Whether on or off the field. Between us, or when we went to see the other athletes too, like Michael Phelps. We've seen a lot of American women's team games as well. Athletics ... So that makes a lot of memories.

Do you think his memory was honored, especially with the MVP trophy for the All-Star Game in his name?
To do less than all that has been done would have been barbaric. He was one of the greatest players of all time. One of those who left the biggest mark. The one who inspired this generation the most. He has touched so many people, both in basketball and outside. We saw someone who was the ultimate competitor, who worked like crazy every day. We could also see that he was an exemplary father. He did so many things, he won an Academy Award, so many projects that inspired people, by his motivation ... I am really happy to have participated in this weekend, in this atmosphere where we really felt it. As a Lakers player, this will remain something that will follow me for the rest of my life and that of our team. And of any player who plays basketball until the end of our game ... which will never happen.

Read also

  • NBA All-Star Game: Team LeBron winner, Gobert (very) in sight
  • -Star Game NBA: Team LeBron winner, Gobert (very) in sight

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2020-02-17

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