James Harden is one of the many Los Angeles-based kids who dream of playing basketball to live out that dream at the highest level. The 2018 MVP was asked by HoopsHype, who he considers the GOAT of basketball, which led Harden to reveal why he views Kobe Bryant as the GOAT and how the Black Mamba made him fall in love with basketball.
“There was only one person who made me love, I mean fall in love with the game, and that’s Kobe Bryant. Being from LA and being a Lakers fan watching him grow up and win several championships and his passion and love and what he did for the game of basketball, I think the world, you know, feels the same way, but that’s why I started playing basketball. The skill set and things that I’ve learned, I kind of picked up on my own, but as far as falling in love with the game, it’s definitely been Kobe.”
Growing up in LA, Harden got to watch Kobe in his prime on the Lakers. Bryant is the primary reason why most LA-based players in the NBA dream of playing for the Lakers. The aura of that jersey when Kobe wore it is unmatched.
People can hate aura conversations but that’s what inspires young players, as we’ve seen with Kobe’s impact on a whole generation of hoopers.
Bryant averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in his 20-year tenure with the Lakers. In that time, he won five championships, two Finals MVPs, and a regular season MVP. In addition to that, Kobe was a 15-time All-NBA selection, 18-time All-Star selection, and made 12 All-Defense Teams.
He is easily one of the defining figures of 2000s basketball, with his impact on the game being felt through the multiple players he inspired to pursue the sport at the highest level.
Kyrie Irving Shared An Emotional Message For Kobe Bryant As Well
Kobe arguably had the strongest relationship with Kyrie Irving among the modern crop of NBA players. With Irving headed to his fourth NBA Finals this season on the Dallas Mavericks, Irving reflected on the mentorship and impact of Kobe on his career.
“I don’t know if anyone here has ever lost a mentor… Even if you guys didn’t talk every day, there was still that connection that they were gonna always be there for you. It wasn’t just him, it was his family as well who supported me unconditionally. I miss [Kobe Bryant] every single day because he was such a big presence and he knew what his superpowers were. It wasn’t on the court but how he approached life His life lessons transcended basketball and sport.”
"His life lessons transcended basketball… everyday he walks with me in spirit."
Kyrie Irving with a heartfelt message on the mentorship and impact of Kobe Bryant 🫶 pic.twitter.com/UpPBWp3Z3g
— NBA (@NBA) June 3, 2024
The loss of Kobe still hurts the basketball world, especially with the players who idolized him still playing in the NBA without him being courtside. Players like Kyrie and Harden aren’t alone, with the likes of Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Devin Booker, and so many more players still actively grieving Bryant’s passing in January 2020.
Irving has a chance to showcase the ‘Mamba Mentality’ on full display in the NBA Finals against another player who looked up to Kobe in Jayson Tatum. This Finals series will be sensational to watch, with Irving averaging 22.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists heading into it.
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