Late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has long been hailed as an almost unbeatable force. With only a handpicked few deemed capable of besting him on the court, Bryant is known for his strict work ethic and persona. Despite that, Dwight Howard snubbed him against a Phoenix Suns player in a 1v1 matchup. In the recent episode of “Above the Rim” podcast, Howard voiced a hypothetical game situation to the rest of the members present.

Taking the listeners by surprise, he mentioned a hypothetical one-on-one contest, between the 5x champion Bryant and former MVP Kevin Durant. His fellow hosts didn’t hesitate to answer that question. Speaking of Bryant’s mental prowess over the game and physicality, two hosts named Bryant. However, as one of them called Durant, “skinny,” Howard seemed to side with the Suns forward and said, “He is seven feet.”

Over the years, the 5x champion had cultivated a strong mindset to play his game. That’s what played a critical role in making his game better and more powerful. One host claimed that Bryant’s mindset is proof that if the two were to face off against each other in a situation, as mentioned by Howard, Bryant might have had an upper hand. What do you think? Did you know that Durant idolized Bryant?

Kobe Bryant taught a vital lesson to Kevin Durant

Notably, the concept is not entirely foreign to the fans. The duo has battled against each other numerous times on the court. The two have also played alongside each other as teammates in the Olympics. However, both the players had immense love and respect for each other. 

The Phoenix Suns forward has always been highly appreciative of Bryant’s work ethic and his game. Recognizing the Los Angeles Lakers player’s dedication and drive, the 2x champion admired him and once shared a vital piece of advice. “Really, just don’t be a crybaby,” Durant said about the advice taken from Bryant. 

READ MORE: 23 Years Before Kobe Bryant’s Work Ethic Impressed Him, 3x All-Star Shares a Freaky Coincidence With ‘Black Mamba’

“I was at that age, at 23, where I thought the world revolved around me. I know we talk a lot about Kobe. He was really humble about how he approached the game, how he approached his teammates, just life in general. I just learned just from watching his movements, he was an example,” Durant said. 

While we will never know who would have won the game, it will always be interesting to see how people continue to cherish the legend’s contributions. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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