Kobe Bryant is the most beloved figure in the storied history of the Los Angeles Lakers. The incredible legacy left by Bryant during his 20-year career sets a very high bar for every superstar that follows him to aspire to. That will include Luka Doncic.
LeBron James is someone who knows how the story goes all too well. The legendary superstar would be criticized loudly for his missteps since joining the Lakers in 2018, with fans pointing to Bryant as the model of excellency in Los Angeles.
James has enjoyed a strong seven-year run during his time with the Lakers. However, having arrived in Los Angeles so late into his career, it was never going to truly be possible for LeBron to leave anywhere near the legacy with the Lakers that Bryant had.
Every shortcoming would be put under the microscope of a Kobe comparison. Such has been the case in Los Angeles, and will continue to be the case for every superstar that comes after. Doncic is simply the next in line to carry the immense expectations that come with following up such a legendary player.
Luka Doncic will have a tough standard to follow with Lakers
The idea of the inescapable Bryant comparison surfaced on a recent mailbag edition of Jovan Buha's podcast. The host of Buha's Block was asked if Doncic would face the 'same energy' that James and Anthony Davis did in the post-Bryant era of the Lakers franchise.
Buha discussed how much Bryant mirrored off Michael Jordan in his approach to the game of basketball. The 'Jordan shadow' was discussed as hovering over every modern NBA star and Kobe was an extension of that, especially with the Lakers.
Buha said, "I do think, to some extent, whether it's Luka or future stars, that's the standard. You're going to be compared to that. ... LeBron dealt with that because these two guys were rivals. ... I think that's a big part of this."
To the reporter's point, Doncic should be afforded some extra breathing room without having the direct history of competition with Bryant. However, the standard will still be propped up throughout his time in Los Angeles.
Luka will certainly get some favorable love due to his resemblance of Kobe when it comes to the infectious energy brought to the building whenever the Lakers superstar is on the court. Doncic is also someone who loves the clutch, and has a relentless knack for not only dominating opponents, but letting them hear about it too.
The accolades will need to follow. Rob Pelinka and the front office have to do their part if that is going to be possible. Otherwise, fair or not, Doncic will start to hear the whispers of Bryant in the background.