Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has delivered some of the most iconic matchups in NBA history. Thanks to the long history between the Boston Celtics and the Lakers, the match between the two is always a blockbuster.

Naturally, two of the best players on both sides had a rivalry. The same applies to Bryant and former Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett. They had numerous matchups in the NBA which were heavily contested.

Interestingly enough, before Garnett famously joined the Celtics, he wanted to play for the Lakers and Bryant. However, the delay in communications between the two stars denied the fans a chance to see two of the best players in the league play together.

Former Celtics superstar revealed why he didn’t join Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics have had some of the best players ever represent the teams. Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is best remembered for his performances against the Celtics. Many of his memorable matchups came against Kevin Garnett who won an NBA title with Boston.

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Interestingly enough, there was a chance both players would represent the purple and yellow. During an interview, Garnett revealed that he could’ve joined the Lakers after leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, he wanted to have a word with Bryant before taking a decision. Bryant was in China and the delay in communicating with The Mamba frustrated Garnett. Eventually, he joined the Celtics.

The first time the two met on the court, Bryant talked about his disappointment with Garnett joining the Lakers’ rival. Garnett said, “The first time we played each other after I had got to Boston, I think it was either Christmas or something, and he’s like, ‘Man, why you ain’t call me?’. And I was like, ‘Man, I don’t wanna hear that sh*t.'”

By the time Garnett left the Boston Celtics, he had already won an NBA title with them. Interestingly, he had to beat Bryant and the Lakers to win the title.

Garnett and Bryant have faced off against each other a whopping 76 times. Bryant has a better record as he has 45 wins against one of his biggest rivals.

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What is your favorite memory of Kobe Bryant against the Boston Celtics? Let us know in the comments down below.