‘KOBE WOULD BE SO PROUD OF US’

ANTHONY DAVIS dedicated victory to Kobe Bryant after the Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th NBA crown.

LeBron James turned in a breathtaking performance, with a triple-double of 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a 106-93 win over the Miami Heat in game six of the finals.

And Davis (above right, celebrating with James), who was a team-mate of Bryant at the London Olympics, said the team knew they had to do it to honour the memory of the star former Laker, who was killed alongside daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash in January.

Bryant won five championships during 20 years with the Lakers and Davis said: “Ever since the tragedy, we wanted to do it for him, and we didn’t want to let him down.

“I know he’s looking down on us and proud of us, I know (Bryant’s wife) Vanessa is proud of us, the organisation is proud of us. It means a lot.

“He was a big brother to all of us and we did this for him.” For James it was a fourth NBA title with three different teams, and he became the first player to win the finals’ Most Valuable Player award with three teams.

“It means a lot to represent this franchise,” said James.

“We just want our respect. Coach Frank Vogel wants his respect, our organisation wants its respect, Lakers nation wants its respect.

“And I want my damn respect too.”