Kobe Bryant unequivocally defended LeBron James in 2010 after his move to the Miami Heat.

LeBron James shocked the NBA world in 2010 when he announced that he was joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat as a free agent. ‘The Decision’ was widely criticized and LeBron became a proper villain at that time.

While there were many accusing him of running away from the grind and not respecting the spirit of competition, Kobe Bryant wasn’t one of them. Fresh off winning consecutive championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant defended LeBron James from his detractors.

“I think people need to lay off that kid, that’s what I think,” Bryant said in an interview. “I’ve got to know him pretty well during my time with the Olympic team and I think they just need to back up off him.”

Kobe Bryant, who was 32 years old at the time, and his Los Angeles Lakers were the reigning champions when LeBron James made his move. It would have been easy for Kobe to be salty and take shots at LeBron. The fact that he went out of his way to defend him though, is a testament to their great relationship.

Kobe Bryant And LeBron James Never Met In The NBA Finals

When LeBron James joined the Miami Heat, many expected that he would face off against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Lakers were two-time champions after all. Despite all the hope and the hype though, this never materialized.

Starting in 2011, LeBron James made it to the NBA Finals eight consecutive times, including four times with the Miami Heat before Kobe Bryant retired, but they never battled on the highest stage. LeBron won two championships in Miami, also losing twice in the Finals, but claiming two Finals MVPs as well as two MVPs.

Since this whole thing occurred, Kevin Durant had made a move that seems even worse than what LeBron James did. And now Damian Lillard is trying to join the Eastern Conference champions in the offseason. Today, Kobe Bryant’s words remain important for fans to keep in mind.