One-time NBA champion, Dirk Nowitzki has been a long-time admirer of Kobe Bryant. Nowitzki has never shied away from voicing his respect and love for the 5-time NBA Champion. Recently, on the In-depth with Ben Swinger show, Nowitzki spoke about the time when Kobe Byrant donned the hat of a recruiter.

Dirk Nowitzki expressed that he was always a huge Kobe Bryant fan. He loved watching Kobe play especially during the 4th quarter. He stated that he would rush home from practice or a game just to watch the Lakers play the last quarter of the game. Nowitzki said, “I’d sit down and watch him basically will his team to win with some incredible shots.” So when Kobe Bryant personally called Nowitzki during free agency, Nowitzki was simply honored. 

The recruitment call

When Nowitzki was a free agent, he received a call from the late Kobe Bryant. The Lakers legend was hoping that he could convince Nowitzki to join him at the Lakers. While Nowitzki was honored by this gesture, he declined Kobe’s offer. He said, “I think he (Kobe) expected that answer.”

Nowitzki had helped the Dallas Mavericks grow and build a championship team. With all that he had invested in and the subsequent love he received, Nowitzki did not want to leave the Mavs. He was certain of his choice.

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Nowitzki admitted that he did not even consider Kobe’s offer. He narrated that if he ever left the Mavs, it would be to eventually chase the championship title. However, when Kobe made his offer, Nowitzki and the Mavs had already won the NBA in 2011.

Nowitzki believed that Kobe respected him for the choice he made and in a way, wanted him to stay loyal.

Kobe Bryant called Nowitzki unstoppable

In 2011, the Mavs and Lakers faced each other in the Western Conference semi-finals. Mavs won the playoff series 4-0. In the series, Dirk Nowitzki secured a total of 101 points whereas Kobe Bryant had just bagged a total of 93 points.

During the media session, Kobe Bryant said, “Nobody’s going to be able to stop [Nowitzki]. He’s on another planet right now.”  That year, the Mavs went on to win the NBA title and Dirk Nowitzki was named the finals’ MVP. 

This duo has faced each other since the late ’90s. They have also played together during their All-Star games. Despite there being a constant element of rivalry, the two have always spoken about the mutual admiration they share for each other.

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Watching them play together would have been delightful, don’t you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.