Kobe Bryant is regarded as one of the best players to ever grace the game. Apart from his accolades on the basketball field, one more thing which is associated with Kobe is his influence on the game. Kobe’s elite ‘Mamba Mentality’ has been an inspiration for millions.
Recently, Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan shared his love for Kobe Bryant and how he takes inspiration from him.
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DeMar DeRozan talks about Kobe Bryant
DeRozan was on a podcast with popular YouTube channel The Players’ Tribune recently. When asked about the impact Kobe had on him, DeRozan had a lot to say.
DeMar DeRozan mentions,” Outside of my dad, putting a ball in my hand, Kobe was my imagination to play basketball. Obviously, I’m a fan of Jordan, but being from LA, it was consistently always Kobe. By the time I’m 16 years old, every summer I’m with him, working with him, playing with him in the off-season.“
DeRozan adds,” Kobe was basically my everything. I’m molded and my groundwork was from him.“
He has expressed his love and admiration for Kobe Bryant on occasions in the past as well. DeMar DeRozan is just one of the elite players who have been inspired by the play and life of ‘The Mamba’ Kobe Bryant.
DeRozan and Kobe Bryant’s relationship
It is no surprise DeRozan and Kobe Bryant share a deep bond. DeMar DeRozan was one of the star players to endorse the Kobe brand by wearing them during games. He once mentioned an interesting story when Kobe got really angry at him.
DeRozan decided not to wear the Kobe shoes when facing Kobe himself and Bryant got really angry.
DeMar’s Kobe story is perfect 😂
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) March 26, 2020
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DeMar also opened up about the last conversation he had with Kobe before his unfortunate demise.
“Couple months ago, probably December, through texts,” said DeRozan, then playing for the San Antonio Spurs. He added, “We talked about the Mamba Academy, talking about my daughter. She’ll be 7 this year. We talked about getting her started with the girls’ academy.”
DeRozan averages 26.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season and has been instrumental in the fantastic Chicago Bulls season this year.
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What is your favorite Kobe Bryant moment? Let us know in the comments below.
