James looked absolutely livid, but he didn't dare to argue back.
Kobe hadn't retired yet, and his influence with the Lakers was unparalleled.
In fact, even if Kobe retired, his influence on the Lakers' management wouldn't just disappear overnight.
After speaking, Kobe kept an eye on James through his peripheral vision.
They had worked together for more than two years, and obviously, he hadn't tried every method. He even tried softening his typically harsh demeanor this season to connect with James like a big brother, but James was still the same.
He was frustrated that James wasn't living up to his potential and could only hope to awaken him through harsh criticism.
If James couldn't understand his well-intentioned efforts, he'd find it hard to win a championship in his lifetime.
That was the experience of a five-time champion.
The Cavaliers secured an opening victory on the road, and did so fairly easily, a result that surprised everyone.
