Kobe Bryant was the man! The Lakers legend greatly inspired countless people with his skills and dedication. While you’re watching the player far from a distance, you admire the player and wish to be like him, but it’s a different story when you’re sharing the court with the 5x NBA champion. Paul George who grew up watching Bryant and idolizing him recalled how he was snapped back into reality after a painful hit by the Lakers legend. 

In the episode of Podcast P, George spoke about his first encounter with the Bryant. Even for their first meet, PG13 got a fascinating task to guard Kobe. Battling against the NBA champ, George couldn’t help but admire him. From his physique to his shoes, he was “star-struck” and in awe of his idol. However, that didn’t last long. Even if Bryant was toward the end of his career, he was as competitive as in his rookie years. That spirit never left him. George got the taste of it when Bryant elbowed him during the game. During the conversation, he shared that he wasn’t in a completely competitive mindset as he kept admiring Bryant’s skills, arms, shoes, and other things. 

“I was in that in that mindset and then it took all the way up until he elbowed me right and that s**t hurt and I was like I snapped out of it it was like I saw red at that point that particular moment I saw red and it was like all right he coming for my neck yeah so from that point on and then I had Brian Shaw as an assistant he talking s**t to Kobe while I’m guarding him,” George said. “And so now the two is going at it about me so yeah at that point I quickly snapped out of whatever fandom you know Idol point of view I was looking at him and it was like all right we here to compete.”

After all, it was that painful nudge in the ribs that helped George concentrate on the game and compete with Bryant. 

READ MORE: Kobe Bryant’s Former Teammate Has Bitter Memories of Iconic 81 Point Game: “I Can’t Stomach Watching…

Paul George’s relationship with Kobe Bryant

Even if the game remains the “best moment” of his life, George recalled that the pain was enough to bring him back to reality. Well, George also learned some useful tricks from the basketball legend.

Bryant idolized Michael Jordan and even shared a mentor-mentee relationship with him. He didn’t hesitate to reach out to Jordan whenever he needed tips on his game. And he did the same for George. Going into the 2019 playoffs, George had doubts about whether he would be able to handle the double teams on him and the pressure. Furthermore, he was reeling from his shoulder injury. 

That is when he decided to text Bryant for his help. As expected, the champion sent a detailed paragraph text message to advise him. This was a big symbol of Bryant’s Mamba mentality and sportsmanship. Even though George regrets not reaching out to Kobe often, he is grateful to have learned a lot from the Los Angeles Lakers legend. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

READ MORE: “WTF”: Disgruntled NBA Fans Unleash Wrath On $16,000,000-Rich Company After Massive Kobe Bryant News Hits Online Platforms