Lakers superstar LeBron James threw down an “ode to Kobe Bryant” dunk during last week's game against the Houston Rockets. Just a few days later, LeBron's son, Bronny, chose to follow in his father's footsteps.
LeBron's dunk was more than just two points sent home with force. The two-handed reverse was a direct homage to a slam that Bryant had 19 years prior. When viewed side-by-side, their likeness becomes crystal clear.
LeBron’s dunk last night was an ode to Kobe in the same arena and same basket 19 years later. Chills. pic.twitter.com/zbCL10GcNl
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 8, 2020
Bronny, a standout at Sierra Canyon who is already being scouted by NBA experts, including the Lakers, threw down the exact same dunk that Kobe and his father did:
Bronny threw down the same Kobe dunk that LBJ did 🙏
(via @ShayzDayz | teamjamesfamily/IG) pic.twitter.com/HIIkpi3C4s
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 11, 2020
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles on January 26. Sadly, all nine passengers on the flight, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, perished in the tragic accident. According to reports, the group was on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe was to serve as a coach for his daughter's basketball team.
LeBron and his Lakers teammate, Anthony Davis, recently got tattoos as another way to honor Bryant:
LeBron & Anthony Davis’s Kobe tattoos..💜🐍💛 pic.twitter.com/AZMFnx2zEQ
— 💜D. Bryant💛 (@LakerGangDay) February 5, 2020
LeBron James and AD on why they decided to get tattoos in honor of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/4G8uEQ75A4
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) February 6, 2020
A five-time champion and 18-time All-Star, the Lakers legend will be remembered as one of the greatest players the NBA has ever known. He was taken far too soon, but the memories, as well as his “Mamba Mentality” will live on.