LeBron James and Kobe Bryant (Photo via Getty Images)
As with every time, LeBron James joins a new team when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, it was a huge deal. Of course, one of the most iconic players ever joining such a storied franchise almost felt inevitable.

Whenever someone joins a new team, there is a lot of speculation about the reasons they were drawn to the organization. One surrounding James was the treatment of players, specifically how the franchise treated Kobe Bryant in his final years.

“Part of the reason James came to the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 is the standard of care they showed during the final seasons of Bryant’s career a decade ago, sources said,” Ramona Shelburne of ESPN wrote. “James liked playing for an iconic franchise as much as he liked how it treated its iconic players.”

Also Read: LeBron James Sets The Record Straight On What To Expect From Los Angeles Lakers This Season

However, LeBron quickly refuted that idea and shared the real reason he chose to sign with the Lakers out of all his suitors.

“I came to the Lakers cause I wanted to help Jeanie win championships, bring that Spark back to the Lakers and see my family blossom in SoCal. Why would I make a decision on how someone else is treated. Mama always said ‘Stay out of grown folks business’,” he wrote on X.

LeBron James Sat Out Of The Lakers First Preseason Game

As the NBA season begins later in the month, teams are starting their preseason games to get back into the swing of things.

One player who sat out for the Lakers was LeBron. Of course, though, as LeBron will be turning 40 during the season and is considered the best player of all time, he can likely manage his own schedule and get ready on his own time.

However, he is expected to play on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, which is also his teammate and son Bronny James’ 20th birthday,