Imagine a local gym, barely any space to breathe, and a bunch of NBA superstars competing like warriors. Such was the scene in 2012 when Kobe Bryant reopened the Drew League. Fans remember the iconic duel between the Black Mamba and James Harden. However, not many are aware of the origins of the celebrated battle.

While speaking to Iman Shumpert, a Chicago Bulls star broke down the story from his personal experience and revealed how Bryant’s wishes made it all possible.

The time Kobe Bryant played in the Drew League

Recently, the dexterous Kyrie Irving made his much-awaited debut in the Drew League. For ages, it’s been a trend among NBA stars. For one stretch, they relive the atmosphere of the local crowds and provide some of the most entertaining basketball action. In 2012, purists lined up when they heard the Black Mamba wanted a Drew League experience. It was one of the most enthralling and electric games in the history of the competition.

Usually, these events would take intricate planning. However, Bryant’s appearance was as spontaneous and sudden as it could possibly get. “Kobe was like, ‘Man I wanna play in a Drew League Game,’” DeRozan relived the memories of that day.

He told Imam Shumpert how the Drew League had been stagnant. That was until Kobe spoke his command. “Kobe said that and probably like, within like two-three hours, had me, James, like a bunch of pros down there. The community came out, locked the gym down, packed it out, and hooped,” he told Shumpert, who was awestruck.

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All the Chicago Bulls forward remembers is getting a call while on his way home. Washington Park and Mamba are all it took to get him out to play basketball. For the time it took to piece together, what unfolded upscaled the wildest imaginations.

The Black Mamba struck the Drew League with a game-winner

After Harden, DeRozan, and others lined up, it was time to go. The crowds watched in distress, uncertain of what to expect. From the very tip, the intensity reached the roof. Trash talk and buckets started pouring. The Beard ran off for 50 points, out-dueling Kobe Bryant, or so it seemed. As DeMar DeRozan remembers it, “He literally didn’t stretch. He came in, took a few shots, threw the ball up.”

Eyes were fixated on the 5x NBA champion. With the shot clock slowly running down, they needed a game-winner. Expectedly, Bryant hoisted a shot like he did in those crucial moments countless times in his career. He challenged Harden and came out victorious.

His fadeaway hit right on target. With his arms outstretched atop his head, Kobe Bryant soaked in the triumph. The crowd stormed onto the court, wrapping around the immortal legend.

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It was the perfect debut for one of basketball’s most celebrated sons. And it all happened because he wished for what he loved most.