Winning the NBA Championship marks a huge milestone for the 26-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo.
And while it’s a special moment by itself, this particular victory might mean a bit more.
You see, back in 2019 (when Giannis won his first MVP), Kobe Bryant issued him another challenge: to win the title.
Today, the Greek Freak has officially completed that challenge.
My man… M.V.P. Greatness. Next up: Championship. #MambaMentality
:’) pic.twitter.com/fwEekxWjSk
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 21, 2021
Congrats Giannis, NBA champion and Mamba Mentality forever 🏆
Original tweet from 8:24pm on June 24, 2019 pic.twitter.com/NtOaS1WNxZ
— Kobe & Gianna Bryant Murals (@kobemurals) July 21, 2021
Giannis passed both of Kobe's tests 🤝
Challenge completed ✅ pic.twitter.com/mel90HNMnm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 21, 2021
Kobe would die just months later, a time that will forever be known as one of the darkest days in basketball history.
Before his death, and after retirement, Bryant would issue specific challenges to certain players, as a way to sort of motivate them to greatness.
Back in 2019, the Bucks had not yet experienced playoff victories. And, in the following year, they would fall short again to the Miami Heat.
This year, nobody had them going all the way, especially considering all the obstacles and competitors in their way.
Nevertheless, the Greek Freak is finally at the top of the basketball world, and his career has come full circle. Kobe would be proud, to say the least.
