On January 26th, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in helicopter crash in Calabasas, Ca. This tragic event shook an entire nation. Players in all sports began honoring Bryant in a number of ways including wearing his number 24 and taking intentional 24-second shot clock violations for example. I myself wrote the post 20 Life Advice And Leadership Lessons From The Mind Of Kobe Bryant that day to reflect on his life.
On January 31st, the Los Angeles Lakers organization honored the memory of Kobe Bryant and his daughter during its game against the Portland Trailblazers. As they did so, everyone looked to the team’s (and the league’s) leader LeBron James. How would he respond? His actions would largely shape ours. Bill Oram in this article from The Athletic profiled James and how led his team, the Los Angeles region, and the global community of the NBA through this process.
The following are 10 Ways LeBron James Is Leading Through The Kobe Bryant Tragedy we learn from Oram’s article:
- James Is Leading Through His Voice – There was one voice who spoke that evening. It was the voice of LeBron James. When tragedy strikes, the leader must lead. The leader must speak. The leader must give an account. And on that night, LeBron James lead.
- James Is Leading Through His Meer Presence – When tragedy strikes, people look to the leader. They are looking for the assurance only a leader can bring. How the leader responds will ultimately determine the response of the people. James has been a towering presence on the court for fans and he, just being there, provided the comfort many people needed during this tragic time.
- James Is Leading Through The Responsibility Of Carrying The Burdens Of Others – James once carried an entire region to the NBA championship in Cleveland. He has been the face of the league for over a decade. James has said, “God gave me wide shoulders for a reason.”
- James Is Leading Through His Compassion – James has not only been a source of comfort for his teammates, but also general manager Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss, both close personal friends of Bryant.
- James Is Leading Through His Self-Awareness – James sees the big picture. As he stood a midcourt and addressed the crowd of 18,997, he read the names of all nine people who perished in the helicopter crash, not just Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
- James Is Leading By Being Inclusive – He knew everyone was hurting, not just Bryant’s teammates. James then told those in attendance, ““As I look around this arena, we’re all grieving. We’re all hurt. We’re all heartbroken. But when we’re going through things like this, the best thing you can do is lean on the shoulders of your family.”
- James Is Leading By Pointing To The Future And Providing Hope – He added, “I want to continue along with my teammates, to continue his legacy, not only for this year, but for as long as we can play the game of basketball that we love because that’s what Kobe Bryant would want.”
- James Is Leading By Honoring The Past And Kobe Bryant’s Legacy – Prior to that evening, the last Laker to speak at midcourt was ironically, Kobe Bryant in his final game. Bryant concluded his speech by famously saying, “Mamba out!” Harking back to that time, James said, “In the words of Kobe Bryant, ‘Mamba out.’ But in the words of us, ‘Not forgotten.’ Live on, brother.”
- James Is Leading By Getting Back To Work And Doing His Job – Though the team lost that evening to the Trailblazers, James had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
- James Is Leading By Moving Forward – Grief is something that is simply tackled day-by-day, moment-by-moment, one day at a time. It has varying timetables from person to person. Though things are never the same, life still moves on whether we want it to or not. After the game ended and all the media obligations were done, the Lakers jumped on an airplane and flew to Sacramento for Saturday’s game.
What is one thing you learned from LeBron James which will help you lead during difficult or worse yet, tragic times?
My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase. If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you! By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you. This book is not to be read alone. Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence. Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.