Kobe Bryant Foresaw LeBron James' Greatness in 2006

The Lakers legend picked a 21-year-old LeBron for his dream starting five, proving his basketball genius.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:58pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the dynamic relationship between two legendary NBA players.Two basketball legends, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs their epic on-court rivalry and mutual respect.Cleveland Today

In a 2006 interview, Kobe Bryant was asked to build his ultimate championship team. His first pick was a 21-year-old LeBron James, showing Kobe's ability to recognize future greatness long before the rest of the world caught on. LeBron went on to prove Kobe right, becoming a 4-time NBA champion, 4-time Finals MVP, and the league's all-time leading scorer.

Why it matters

This moment highlighted Kobe Bryant's keen eye for talent and basketball IQ, as he saw LeBron's potential to be a championship-caliber player even in his early 20s. It also demonstrated the profound respect and admiration the two legends had for each other, with Kobe later praising LeBron for surpassing his own scoring record.

The details

In a 2006 episode of the Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith show, Kobe Bryant was asked to build his dream starting five. His first pick was a 21-year-old LeBron James, who had just finished his 3rd season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kobe said he chose LeBron for his high basketball IQ and ability to fit into a championship team as a pass-first player. To round out the roster, Kobe selected Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki.

  • In 2006, LeBron James was 21 years old and had just finished his 3rd NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
  • The interview with Kobe Bryant took place on the Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith show in 2006.

The players

Kobe Bryant

A legendary NBA player who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 5 championships. He was known for his elite scoring ability and basketball IQ.

LeBron James

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, who has won 4 NBA championships, 4 Finals MVPs, and 4 regular-season MVPs. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

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What they’re saying

“Wow. Depends what we're trying to build… You're trying to win a championship in the NBA. Obviously, I'm taking LeBron James for sure.”

— Kobe Bryant

The takeaway

Kobe Bryant's ability to recognize LeBron James' future greatness in 2006, when LeBron was just 21 years old, demonstrated Kobe's unparalleled basketball genius and foresight. This moment highlighted the deep respect and admiration the two legends had for each other, and it proved prophetic as LeBron went on to have an illustrious career that exceeded even Kobe's high expectations.