USA Today via Reuters
Jun 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns is having a phenomenal season. Booker recently became only the 7th youngest player to cross 10,000 career points while playing against Oklahoma City Thunder. The list contains some big names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant.
NBA fans have often associated Devin Booker with being the perfect embodiment of Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’. More so after he passed 10,000 career points. A recent incident involving him and the Toronto Raptors mascot led to people hating on Booker, and he has finally addressed the issue. Take a look.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 21, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Booker addresses the Kobe Bryant comparisons
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When asked about the hate he got for his incident regarding the Raptors, Booker gave his opinions. According to him, the only thing which worries him is the Kobe Bryant comparisons.
After the mascot incident, Booker got a lot of hate from Kobe fans which led to Booker clearing the air around the Bryant comparisons.
I asked Devin Booker about the hate he got online for the fun with The Raptor.
Only problem he has with the online discourse is being compared to Kobe Bryant or hearing Mamba Mentality attached to him.
“I’m inspired by Kobe Bryant and Mamba Mentality but I am not Kobe Bryant.” pic.twitter.com/cigcypZSCq
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) January 15, 2022
What led to the hate from Bryant fans?
The Phoenix Suns played the Toronto Raptors when Booker was awarded free throws. The arena was practically empty other than some exceptions.
After converting one of his free throws, Booker went on to complain about the Mascot distracting him to the ref. This incident led to a lot of criticism on the internet. Kobe fans especially had mentioned how Bryant would never have done something like this. Take a look at the incident.
Devin Booker upset that the Raptors mascot, the only fan in the building, is behind the hoop distracting him with the game on the line. Refs send him to timeout in the corner. pic.twitter.com/F9zLGPPD5D
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 12, 2022
Why is Booker compared to Kobe?
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All the comparisons with Bryant started back in 2016. Before Kobe’s last game in the league, a young Booker received a pair of Nike Kobe 11 sneakers with the words, “Be Legendary” written on them.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates with Jae Crowder (99) as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on in the first half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ever since Kobe’s death in 2020, DBook has been rocking Kobe Bryant sneakers which led fans to compare him to Kobe Bryant.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 Most Fierce Rivals of Michael Jordan
Do you think Devin Booker will attain Kobe Bryant’s level? Let us know in the comments below.
