“Lbj doesn’t need to prove that” – Kobe Bryant once protected LeBron James from superteam criticism citing Shaq, MJ, and Pippen

Kobe Bryant once defended LeBron James against an online troll who tried to defame the player and his achievements by suggesting he has always needed help to win titles.

Bryant responded to the troll back in 2015, before James' immaculate 2018 Finals run. James famously carried the 2007 Cavaliers to the finals and took many other star-less teams deep in the playoffs during his first Cleveland stint.

Kobe Bryant tweeted that the media shouldn't be taken seriously when they try to spin narratives about certain players.

"Media critique- Mj was a gunner Magic was a coach killer Shaq wasn't serious Lbj couldn't handle pressure Spurs r too old #BeforeRings."

An online troll by the name of Paul Brahan commented on the tweet:

"lbj has yet to prove he can win a championship without 2 other superstars."

The Lakers legend then defended LeBron James by saying that all superstars have had great teammates. He replied to the tweet saying he had Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol as All-NBA teammates, Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen, and Magic Johnson had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy.

"Lbj doesn't need to prove that. I had Shaq + Pau, Mj had Pip, Magic had Worthy + Kareem etc. AND we all had great teammates," he tweeted.

LeBron James and the LA Lakers honored Kobe Bryant during their 2020 championship run

LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Game 2 of the 2020 Western Conference Finals

When Kobe Bryant passed away in January 2020, the LA Lakers honored the legend during the season. The team introduced "Black Mamba" jerseys during the 2020 playoffs as a way to pay tribute to Bryant. The jersey had the print of the black mamba snake and the No. 2 on the sleeve, Bryant's daughter Gianna's number.

It was one of the highest-selling jerseys that year.

Additionally, during Game 4 of the first-round series that year against Portland, the Lakers opened the first quarter with a 16-point lead, with the scoreboard showing 24-8. The game was held on Aug. 24, i.e., 8/24, also known as Mamba Day. The two numbers that Bryant wore during his 20-year career were 8 and 24.

LeBron James said after the game:

"One day removed from his birthday, and then his day of 8/24, to be able to have a game on this day, the stars aligned and when I looked up there and seen 24 to 8, I was like, 'Okay, he's here in the building.' It’s a beautiful, beautiful night for our franchise and something that we probably will always remember - this moment."

Last but not least, in classic Mamba fashion, Anthony Davis knocked down a game-winning 3-pointer during Game 3 of the 2020 Western Conference Finals against Denver. After making the bucket, he yelled "Kobe."

After winning the 2020 title, LeBron James and the LA Lakers paid tribute to Bryant and his family in their speeches. The players said they won the title for him and that the banner was dedicated to him.