Today’s generation of NBA players look up to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant not only as an icon but also as a leader to emulate.
Several of the game’s best 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 battled over 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 talked about one important thing he learned from Bryant.
KD speaks on his lessons from Kobe 🙏 pic.twitter.com/pMItjB32VI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2022
“Really just don’t be a crybaby,” Durant said. “I was at that age, at 23, where I thought the world revolved around me. I know we talk a lot about Kobe — he was real humble how he approached the game, how he approached his teammates — just life in general. I just learned just from 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 dudes that I emulate on and off the court what they do. It’ll only make me better.”
Durant had the chance to see Bryant up close and personal when their teams faced twice in the NBA playoffs, 2010 and 2012. Bryant’s Lakers won the first matchup in six fierce games. Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder brushed aside L.A. in 2012.
The two also played together on the United States Olympic team in 2012, which brought home a second straight gold medal.
