The death of Kobe Bryant has rattled everyone in the NBA community.
As one of many who expressed grief about his passing, Paul George opened up about what the Mamba meant to him in an emotional pre-game message.
An emotional Paul George on Kobe – “If there was no Kobe Bryant, I don't know who I would've looked at & idolized. For the generation after myself, for young kids who won't know who Kobe Bryant is, it'll be an amazing story to tell, that I picked his ball up because of this man.” pic.twitter.com/p19tgMlwYQ
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 29, 2020
More Paul George on Kobe Bryant – “We grew up, we from here. We grew up here, we saw him every day on TV… It hits different for us from Russ, DeMar, myself, Kawhi, just all the SoCal guys, it just hits different. He was our MJ, he was our hero. He was our GOAT.”
(Via Clippers) pic.twitter.com/lzxAU5B1My
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 29, 2020
It’s no secret that Kobe helped inspire PG to pick up the basketball as a kid. He was a role model, an example, and his hero. For George and his generation growing up, he was the GOAT.
The Clippers themselves made a number of tributes to Kobe during the game and PG himself is considering a number change to honor the fallen hero.
Paul George on maybe changing Clippers jersey to No. 24 – “I understand what guys are doing with changing their number. I think it’s great if they retire it amongst the league, but from a personal standpoint, I think what better way to honor Kobe than to continue on that number.” pic.twitter.com/ywYCnmuIDF
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 31, 2020
It’s been a tough time for George, the NBA, and all those whose lives were impacted by the crash. As the world comes to grips with the tragedy, we will likely continue to see tributes and memorials made in their name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.
