Today’s generation of NBA players look up to the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant not only as an icon but also as a leader to emulate.
Several of the game’s top players in particular have made it clear how much they love and revere the five-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
One of them is Kevin Durant, who has struggled for the past decade to try to become the best player in the league.
He has his share of critics, but his game and talent, not to mention his accomplishments, are undeniable.
Durant recently spoke about one important thing he learned from Bryant.
“Don’t really be a crybaby,” Durant said. “I was at that age, at 23, where I thought the world revolved around me. I know we talked about Kobe a lot: he was very humble in the way he approached the game, how he approached his teammates, just life in general.
I just learned just by watching his movements, he was an example.
He didn’t say much but he was an example by how he moved. I try to emulate him and Mike (Michael Jordan), two guys that I emulate on and off the court because of what they do. It will only make me feel better.
Durant got a chance to see Bryant up close and personal when their teams met twice in the NBA playoffs in 2010 and 2012.
Bryant’s Lakers won the first meeting in six ferocious games, while the Oklahoma City Thunder de Durant surpassed LA in 2012.
The two also played together on the 2012 United States Olympic team, which brought home a second straight gold medal.
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