Kobe Bryant And LeBron James Share A Special Moment As Mamba’s Final Game In Cleveland Comes To A Close

Kobe Bryant versus LeBron James was supposed to be the definitive rivalry of our time. But alas, it was not to be. Nonetheless, their relationship was tepid, at best, in the early going, no doubt due to a certain amount of jealousy on both their parts. But they’re warmed up to each other considerably in recent years and haven’t been shy about heaping praise on one another for their various accomplishments.

So in Kobe’s final visit to Cleveland Wednesday night, the two shared a friendly embrace as the Mamba checked out of the game in the closing moments while Cavs fans at the Q chanted his name and gave him a standing ovation. Cleveland ended winning 120-111 behind 29 points from LeBron, while Kobe finished with 17 for the Lakers in a game that was almost marred by an injury to Kevin Love’s troublesome shoulder, although the team later said it wasn’t serious.

It won’t be the last time Kobe and LeBron face off, however. They’ll meet at the All-Star game this weekend in Toronto and then again later this season when the Cavs travel to L.A.

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