NBA legend Kobe Bryant possessed an intense competitive nature and an unusual drive to accomplish his goals. Bryant was a student of the game. He soaked knowledge from different NBA greats and applied it to annihilating his rivals on the court. Throughout his NBA career, Bryant became an inspiration for millions aspiring to be great. The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar loved to share his learnings with the young basketball talents in high school, colleges, and NBA.

How did the Black Mamba sprinkle his basketball wisdom into the budding talents?

A Chicago Bulls superstar recalls his memories with Kobe

Kobe Bryant, like other NBA players, organized his own camps. He wanted to nurture the young players by elevating their games and working on their mindset. In one of his camps, he met a 15-year-old kid that stood out from the rest.

The kid was asking some great questions to improve his game, which caught the Black Mamba’s attention. Kobe saw the drive in the kid to improve, though he never thought he will become a 6-time NBA All-Star. In the recent episode from the Podcast P with Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, who was that kid, shared his memories from the Kobe Bryant camp.

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He spoke about a viral picture from the same camp, featuring him and the Golden State Warrior’s Klay Thompson along with the other students. Kobe appreciated his curiosity and efforts and their relationship, since that camp, grew gradually.

READ MORE: Amid Bulls’ Ace Zach LaVine’s ‘Lobbying’ Scheme, Defeated Raptors’ Star Sheds Light on DeMar DeRozan’s Special Trick

As a senior in his high school games, DeRozan received shoes from Bryant personally. Bryant offered DeRozan to sponsor him with “Kobes”, Bryant’s own signature shoe. The 33-year-old wears the shoe to this day in games. He once regretted his decision of picking another shoe over Kobes and was destroyed by his idol for the same. What exactly happened?

A Toronto Raptors legend’s warning backfired

Toronto Raptor‘s legend Vince Carter once matched up against DeMar DeRozan. While competing in a game, Carter recognized the shoe DeRozan was wearing. He then gave a warning to the young Raptors rookie, the made him regret his choice.

The 1999 Rookie of the Year told DeRozan not to wear Kobes when he plays against the Black Mamba, only to not piss him off. DeRozan knew his idol and in a game against him, he wore Jordans 10 instead of the Kobes. The Black Mamba took it personally and questioned his student, “What sh** you got on your feet?” Kobe destroyed the Raptors in that game. After winning a game-winning buzzer beater he walked up to DeRozan and went at him, “Don’t wear that sh** ever again!”

For his opponents, Kobe Bryant was a devil on the court. However, he has given much to the young players and it has made him an icon.

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