With LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, it brought new hope to the franchise, after last season. However, the start has been rough, with the team going 0-3, so far. They've got another chance to get their first win on Wednesday night (October 24), but former Lakers star Kobe Bryant gave some comical ideas about the situation. That includes how he can help if they continue losing.
Kobe jokes about Lakers losing
Kobe Bryant has achieved plenty of accolades in his career, including five NBA championships on his resume. They all came with the Lakers.
This is LeBron's first season with Los Angeles, and Lakers fans are expecting a few titles from him. A 0-3 start already has people doubtful about the team early on.
Bryant appeared on Tuesday night's episode (October 23) of "Jimmy Kimmel Live." During his visit, talk of how the Los Angeles Lakers are faring with LeBron James came up. Kimmel pressed Kobe about how many games he needs to see his former team lose before he "unretires." Bryant joked that he would wait for them to go 0-5. Once that happens, he might don the Lakers jersey again to save the day. Meanwhile, LeBron James commented on the Rajon Rondo vs Chris Paul fight.
Kobe Bryant was joking about "unretiring," but it sure would get fans even more excited.
Just imagine if the Lakers had two of the game's all-time superstars on the roster?
Lakers fans' unrealistic expectations?
Naturally, there are Lakers fans continuing to compare Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. They are clearly two of the game's all-time best players. Both have achieved numerous All-Star appearances, NBA All-First Team recognition, and have led in statistical categories for seasons and all-time.
They each have multiple championships as well. Still, Kobe Bryant didn't win his first quickly, and it took the assistance of another major star: Shaquille O'Neal. For another run, All-Star Pau Gasol was one of Kobe's helpful teammates. LeBron currently has an interesting cast, including younger guys still growing up and honing their games, as well as some veterans who aren't quite what they used to be.
That said, LeBron James nearly had the Los Angeles Lakers on the verge of victory a few nights ago. King James had a game-tying shot ahead of overtime and nearly won it in the extra session. It also seems that the first win is closer than fans might think. LeBron also commented that he understands what he got himself into and isn't concerned about the team's lack of wins just yet. He just needs his teammates to step up and the team to start to gel more. That will include defense and perimeter shooting. The King can only do so much on his own.
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Fans are certainly hoping they'll get that first win. They'll still be without suspended Lakers players Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram. Missing them have made this a tough ride for James so far. However, if Kobe's joke comes true, they probably wouldn't mind that either!