DeMar DeRozan is a midrange maestro in an era where 3 and D is the trend. There is an art in DeRozan’s game, perhaps a glimpse of history. The midrange isolation game that DeRozan has is one of the best in the league, and one on one, he can score against most defenders. As a player, DeRozan was clearly inspired by Kobe Bryant. DeRozan wears Kobe shoes every game and has talked about his relationship with the Lakers’ legend many times to the media.
Kobe Bryant has been an influence to many. Recently, DeMar DeRozan went on the All The Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. In a section of the podcast, DeRozan covers his relationship with Kobe Bryant. The segment starts at 0:45.
DeRozan clearly admires Bryant, and the Lakers’ star was an influence on a lot of young players in Los Angeles. DeRozan’s story about asking for the newspaper is probably similar to many other stories from the generation of kids who idolized Kobe. Kobe Bryant is a hero in Los Angeles, and everyone knows it. DeRozan was just one of the people that soaked in Bryant’s energy and experienced the culture that he created. DeRozan also says another quote, one that would resonate with most people who watched Kobe Bryant play on the Los Angeles Lakers.
For people my age, like, you can’t think about the Lakers without thinking about Kobe. When you think about the yellow and gold, you think about Bean.
The Los Angeles Lakers are DeRozan’s hometown team, and he understands who was the king in Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant’s memory will forever be cherished. DeRozan himself has been linked with the Lakers before and expressed good sentiments towards his hometown team and their interest. While it is hard to see the Lakers trade for DeRozan now, with Dennis Schroder and Kyle Kuzma under contract, things could always change in the future. If DeRozan ever goes to the Lakers, he will surely play in a way that would make Kobe Bryant proud.
