Lebron James shares text Kobe Bryant sent him after he joined Lakers

LeBron James is preparing for his 10th NBA Finals appearance, and first as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The three-time Finals MVP reflected on his decision to sign with the Lakers in 2018 and shared a very special text he received from a Los Angeles legend at the time.

James revealed that Kobe Bryant texted him after he signed with the Lakers, welcoming him to the family. 

"I do remember when I decided to come here, he sent me a text right away and said, 'Welcome, brother. Welcome to the family,'" James told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes postgame on Saturday. "That was a special moment because at the time, Laker faithful wasn't (fully in on me). A lot of people were saying, 'Well, we might not want LeBron at this point in his career,' and, 'Is he right? Is he going to get us back (to the Finals)?'

"So to hear from him and get his stamp of approval, it meant a lot. I don't ever question myself, but when it's coming from Kobe, it definitely meant a lot."

James and Bryant were close friends. Following Bryant's death, James began to wear a purple finger band with the number 24 on it to honor him. 

The 35-year-old, who wasn't satisfied with Los Angeles' Western Conference Finals victory, not only will be playing for himself in the NBA Finals this season, but also for Bryant. 

The Lakers haven't won a title since 2010, which was Bryant's fifth.