LeBron James

James opted to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in his career in July when he signed a max contract worth a reported $154m in Los Angeles, migrating to the Western Conference for the first time in his career.

And while many Lakers fans were overjoyed at his decision, a pocket of die-hard supporters defaced murals welcoming James to the city and declared their allegiances to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

James, 33, has been quiet about the hostile reception since announcing his move but Bryant came out to publicly welcome his successor to the franchise, claiming he was “delighted” to have James on board.

LeBron James