?That MF-Er Is Nice?: Stephen Curry Reminisced About Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant Giving Him a Hat Tip During His Sophomore Year

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was an inspiration to 100s of NBA players. The Black Mamba was a cerebral assassin and a serial winner, and his work ethic and dedication to the game were unmatched. And this made him loved by many. He also did his best to motivate young players to greatness. And Kobe did the exact same thing to Stephen Curry during his sophomore year.

Kobe was widely respected across the league and young stars would want to learn from the Lakers great. He would often interact with them, teach them, and praise them when they balled out. He also made sure that they get to learn what it’s like to guard him. All in all, he wanted to prepare the next generation for greatness.

And once, he did that to Curry, which boosted his confidence and morale.

Kobe Bryant praised Stephen Curry after he saw him in his second year

When Curry came into the league, he was considered a good player, but nobody thought he could have such a level of impact on the game. In his first few years, Curry showed potential to be a great shooter, but he still had other areas of the game which he needed to work on. But did have the skills that were needed.

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And once he put that on display against the Los Angeles Lakers. It was Curry’s second year, and the Lakers were visiting the Oracle Arena. Curry says how Kobe gave him a hat tip. He adds, ” I did a dribble left and right in front of their bench and a little pump fake and then hit the shot off the glass. And they had the camera zoomed in on him, and he looked at me as I was going down the court and you could see him say ?That MF-er is nice.? “

“He had said it under his breath and they caught him on the camera saying it and somebody sent it to me.”

“It was dope. When I saw it, that was a ?Wow!? moment. It?s corny, but it was one of those when-your-idols-become-your-rivals type vibes. But it was awesome. “

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Curry said that Kobe recognized his skill level, and it was a confidence builder. Especially since he didn’t know what kind of player he was. And when he saw a legend give him props, he felt like he was doing something right. Kobe was right to give Curry his props as he has developed into one of the greatest players of all time.