LeBron James recently made headlines during his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where he took a moment to highlight the significant contributions of his former teammate Jason Kidd. This event, which celebrated the careers of several basketball legends, including Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, also served as a poignant reminder of the late Kobe Bryant’s impact on the game.
In a heartfelt ceremony held in Springfield, Massachusetts, James reflected on his journey and the remarkable players who shaped his career. He became one of only two players in history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame while still actively playing, underscoring his extraordinary achievements in the sport.
During the event, Kidd, who is now the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, was asked to share his thoughts on his role with the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, famously known as the “Redeem Team.” With characteristic humility, Kidd remarked, “I might have been the captain, but I was more like the water boy, the towel boy. I kept the clock to make sure everybody was on time; no one was late. I even asked everybody what Gatorade color they liked.”
LeBron, however, was quick to interrupt, insisting that Kidd deserved more recognition for his contributions. “Stop it, stop it, stop it! He’s the only one that’s never lost a game in international play. Ever. So, you stop it,” James exclaimed, emphasizing Kidd’s perfect record with Team USA. This playful exchange highlighted the deep respect and camaraderie shared among these basketball icons.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, who was a crucial part of the Redeem Team’s success. James took a moment during his speech to honor Bryant’s legacy, stating, “He was the missing link that we needed to regain dominance with Team USA. He brought a sense of seriousness to the team. We knew once he joined, and he was committed, that we couldn’t be doing anything half-hearted. Kobe wasn’t going for that.”
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, are gearing up for another shot at the championship. The 2025-26 NBA season kicks off with training camps and media days on September 29, offering fans the first look at the Lakers’ roster and preparations. The preseason wraps up on October 17, allowing the team to finalize their strategies before the regular season begins.
Lakers fans can mark their calendars for the season opener on October 21, when they face off against the Golden State Warriors in a highly anticipated matchup. Other key dates to watch include the Emirates NBA Cup group play starting on October 31 and the Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets on December 25. Additionally, the NBA All-Star festivities will take place in Los Angeles from February 13-15, 2026.
As the Lakers prepare for the season ahead, LeBron James continues to solidify his place in NBA history, both as a player and as a leader. His recent Hall of Fame induction not only celebrates his individual accomplishments but also serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and teamwork that define the sport. With the NBA season just around the corner, fans can expect thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments as the league continues to evolve and inspire.