“He Was the Basketball Version of Me”: 24-Time Grammy Award Winning Rapper Once Uncovered Similarities Between Himself and Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest players of all time, but he remains one of the most inspiring athletes ever. The Los Angeles Lakers star’s unfortunate demise in January 2020 left the whole world dismayed. One of the countless people who took inspiration from the five-time NBA champion was none other than legendary rapper Kanye West.

The 24-time Grammy Award-winning artist shared a great camaraderie with Bryant. From their relentless work ethic to their unpredictable thought processes, they shared a lot in common. West was deeply affected due to Byrant’s passing away. In an interview, West explained how Kobe’s memory keeps pushing him.

He revealed that he drives to the site of the helicopter crash where the domes were built in honor of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. He said, “So now there’s no way for me not to be as determined as Kobe every time I drive down that street. It’s game time“. He also stated that everyone in their lives was a member of Kobe’s championship-winning Lakers teams.

“The way that Kobe would say that we all have to come together and win this championship is the way I look at life now. To an infinite, other level“, West said. The two of them used to have basketball sessions together and even had commercials with each other.

READ MORE: Teary-Eyed Vanessa Bryant Makes Passionate Kobe Bryant Appeal in Court

He continued, “He was the basketball version of me, and I was the rap version of him, and that’s facts!” Bryant clearly had a huge impact on numerous people around the world and his legacy will continue to live on through the people that loved him.

Kobe Bryant was a mentality monster

While he was one of the most skilled basketball players ever, what set Kobe Bryant apart was certainly his mentality. The term ‘Mamba Mentailty’ perfectly describes his legacy. There were rarely any moments in his 20-year career when he wasn’t the toughest competitor on the court.

Kobe’s tenacity resulted in him being as successful as he was. That’s a trait he shares with West as well. The billionaire rapper has arguably one of the toughest mentalities in the business. Although this kind of mindset helped them acquire a lot of haters, that’s what kept pushing them to greater heights.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kobe Bryant’s top 5 Playoffs performances

Kobe Bryant’s legacy will continue to live on for a long time because of people like Kanye West. What are your thoughts on West’s remarks? Let us know in the comments below.