That’s how the sports dynamics roll. Rookies look up to the veterans. But what happens when the image they’re chasing is just that: an image? From Michael Jordan’s famous “Flu Game” inspiring players to push through illness, to Allen Iverson’s practice rant being misconstrued as a work ethic statement, the NBA has seen its fair share of misunderstood moments. Now just days after his retirement, Derrick Rose adds his story to this legacy, pulling back the curtain on a misconception that shaped his early days.

During the latest episode of the Club 520 Podcast, DJ Wells asked the former point guard about his experience during the 2010-2011 season when LeBron James was at his peak. The 36-year-old former point guard took a different approach to answering the question and gave a small anecdote about Kobe Bryant. “But what I was telling y’all, at that time, I didn’t enjoy anything, bro. I didn’t go out to eat with my family or friends like that. No movies like that. None of that, bro. No concerts because I was totally locked into thinking that I had to follow what like Kobe was doing. I think Kobe is not enjoying itself, not going on vacays, not doing any of that. So I felt tricked like in a way whenever I, at the time, I felt that way. Like my fourth year, I ended up going to the Philippines with him. I saw him like relaxed. I’m like, oh, you motherf—er was tricking me this whole time,” Derrick Rose said on the podcast.

Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ was the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers veteran’s skills on the court, which helped him score 33,643 points throughout his career and win 5x championship rings, 18x All-Star titles, and 11x All-NBA First-team appearances. But this mentality didn’t stop him from enjoying life’s pleasures.

Drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant, this self-imposed discipline defined Derrick Rose’s approach to the game during his meteoric rise. He pushed himself to the limit both on and off the court, so far that he molded his life to fit whatever was expected of him to be a basketball great. Rose’s dedication was undeniable, culminating in his MVP award in 2011 at the tender age of 22. In that particular season, he also had a great stat line of 25 PPG and 7.7 APG which was his career best.

Unfortunately, the glorious days of the point guard were short-lived. Why, you ask? During game one of the 2011-2012 playoffs, Rose injured his left knee while making a jump and was sidelined from the league for more than a year. He then returned to the league in the 2013-2014 season but was not able to bring back his elite form. As Rose reflects on his career in retirement, this revelation adds a layer of complexity to his legacy. However, did you know that the bond between Rose and Bryant was very strong?

The bond between Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant

Despite being separated by a decade in their careers, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose shared a mutual respect. Bryant, who was a seasoned veteran, often praised Rose’s exceptional athleticism and determination. “I just told him to stay healthy and continue the job he’s doing. I don’t think you can develop (a k–ler instinct). You either have it or you don’t. He’s had it since he was in high school. That quality separates players I think. With players of equal ability, it’s about the engine you have inside. It certainly gives him an edge,” said Bryant to Rose once.

As mentioned before, Rose looked up to Bryant for inspiration and also once compared Bryant with the Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan. “Kobe, he’s someone that I’ve looked up to ever since I came into the league. Someone that I did commercials with. Someone that always gave me advice about my game, just coming into the league. He’s seen how hard I worked and for him and all his accolades and his resume…I think that he’s leaving the game in some good hands,” said Rose about Bryant before Black Mamba’s retirement.

It was clear that both respected one another, both in person and in competition. We can also say their connection reminds us that even in a game as competitive as basketball, there can be common ground and that you can make friendships that last.