On the basketball court, Kobe Bryant was an unstoppable force, a fierce competitor, and a brilliant strategist. He established a reputation for outworking, outthinking, and outmaneuvering even the most formidable defenders in the NBA over his 20-year career. Thus, it became a rare accolade that few could claim when the Mamba himself named someone his toughest defensive task.

Gifts and tributes from players and teams poured in. As the NBA community bid Bryant farewell during his historic last season. One parting gift, however, was notable not just for what it was. But also for what it stood for: mutual respect among rivals. Tony Allen, a former NBA champion and defensive stopper, revealed the very intimate parting present that Kobe gave him.

In an interview clip shared on Instagram, Tony Allen recalled a moment with Kobe Bryant that left a lasting impression on him. He recounted, “Kobe’s last year, then we played… I think I asked him for his jersey… He was like nah I gotchu Imma give you something better than that…” True to his word, Bryant followed through in their final matchup in Los Angeles.

“We went to LA for the last game and my first words to Kobe were… and I actually got a picture of this… Him hugging me… Whispering in my ear like yo, I appreciate the battles and you was the toughest defender that I ever faced bro. Keep it up…” Allen shared, emphasizing the significance of that exchange.

The moment became even more special when Kobe solidified his words with a parting gift. “I shook his hand and that will forever live with me like Kobe actually said that and not only that, to double up and write that on the shoe, you know send them through the ball, put them in the locker, I was excited man, I was truly excited.”

What earned the Mamba’s respect was Tony Allen’s tenacity and fearlessness. Tony recounts Kobe saying, “ I’d score 6-7 buckets on Tony and he would never flinch, never budge, I’d push him in his chest with my elbow, you know, get him deep down in the posts, he would never scream for help. What that told me was he’s not scared and ready to compete, so I better bring my A-game, ” giving Tony Allen the ultimate nod of respect as a competitor. Let us see how Tony Allen was a defensive nightmare for Kobe Bryant.

Tony Allen Joins Kobe’s Most Feared Defenders

Kobe Bryant went to battle with some of the greatest defenders in NBA history. Names like Bruce Bowen, Shane Battier, Raja Bell, Ron Artest (later Metta World Peace), Allen Iverson, and LeBron James all made their mark as relentless stoppers against the Mamba. Each brought a unique defensive weapon. Bowen’s footwork, Battier’s hand-in-face technique, Bell’s physicality, Artest’s brute strength, Iverson’s quick hands, and LeBron’s size and versatility. But among these defensive titans, Tony Allen carved his place as one of Kobe’s most frustrating matchups.  Said so by the Mamba himself.

Allen, nicknamed “The Grindfather,” made his name by locking down the NBA’s best scorers, and Bryant was no exception. In their battles, Allen held Kobe to just 35.6% shooting when he was the primary defender. A staggering drop for a player who routinely shot over 45% against other defenders. “He’s the only guy in the league that can take me out of my game,” Bryant once admitted.

Allen wasn’t fooled by footwork or pump fakes. He stuck to Kobe like glue, forcing contested shots and never giving him an inch of breathing room. Their duels were physical, full of sharp elbows, intense pressure, and relentless energy. The fact that Bryant singled Allen out as his toughest defender wasn’t just an honor. It was an acknowledgment of the sheer difficulty of their matchups.