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During the National Anthem Lakers Kobe Bryant points to upward honoring Lakers owner Jerry Buss at the Staples Center Wednesday. Dr. Jerry Buss, died Monday of cancer at age 80. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Getty
During the National Anthem Lakers Kobe Bryant points to upward honoring Lakers owner Jerry Buss at the Staples Center Wednesday. Dr. Jerry Buss, died Monday of cancer at age 80. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant might not be with us today, but his memories will forever be alive. Since he passed away in a devastating helicopter crash, many NBA players have shared their fond memories of the Mamba.
Paul George shares his favorite battles against Kobe
Clippers guard Paul George recently shared a few of his best memories of playing against Kobe on the “All The Smoke” podcast.
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“I remember the first time I got to play him [Kobe Bryant] and we had B-shaw as an assistant. And B-Shaw talking sh*t from the bench, egging Kob on. ‘Kob, young fella on you, young fella on you Kob’. So this one play, we down on right in front of Lakers bench. Kobe hit me boom, you know his little shimmy, he give me an elbow, boom felt it. This my what second year, so I am like 220, I am light.
“… He gave me the pump, I go for it, pump, I tried to block that sh*t, he end up scoring. He run down, he looked at B-Shaw and he said, ‘Hey, yo tell your young fella check him for feathers.'”
George further talked about an intimate moment between himself and Kobe when he was on the last tour of his glorious career.
“He came to the locker room, and it was just and me, just had a moment. It was awesome man, it was dopest sh*t moment”
George has always been quite open about him being a Laker fan while growing up. Although he is playing for their arch rivals Clippers now, one can never change their favorite team and player.
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The impact of Kobe Bryant on the NBA
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(Boston, Mass. June 8th 2008) Lakers Kobe Bryant walks off the court at the end of the game as Celtic fans celebrate in Game 2 of the NBA Championship Sunday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
George’s story about his battles against Kobe is one in a pandora’s box of memories shared by other NBA stars. This alone should be enough to see how much the late legend impacted the game of basketball.
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The Lakers did everything in their to honor Kobe after he passed away, even postponing a game right after his tragic death. The franchise also won their 17th NBA championship last season, as they displayed Mamba Mentality on numerous occasions.
If they can repeat this year, it will be a true testament to Kobe’s greatness and service for the team for 20 long years.
