James Harden Reveals How Kobe Bryant Reacted to his ‘Smack Talk’ in Their First Meeting

Published 01/20/2021, 12:30 PM EST

After all that we have heard about James Harden these past few months, nothing tops it off better than his very own Kobe Bryant story. The former Houston Rockets star has been in the headlines for a while now because of his antics. And now that he is happy and doing a stellar job with his new team, the Brooklyn Nets, he has also talked about his first time facing Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant is on his mind

In an interview with Rachel Nichols, he was asked what he remembers from the first time he had to play against Kobe. “For me not to get 50 dropped on me,” said Harden. “In my rookie year, we played against them in the playoffs. That’s when they won a championship. And I was just trying my best. I was talking smack. I was just in his ear, he wasn’t fazed by it.”

Article continues below this ad

However, Harden revealed that he always looked up to Bryant. “He was my idol growing up, and it was just a blessing to be on the same court as him and compete. Me not knowing what the hell I was doing because I am talking to the best basketball player. But I was just trying to be a competitor and I miss him.”

He was also asked if he remembers exactly what he said to Kobe that day. “Honestly, it didn’t matter,” confessed James. “That’s Kobe Bryant, he did what he had to do. He’s one of those special talents that don’t come around very often and not just on the court but off the court. He’s one of the ones where we love his energy and love to be around. So, like I said, I miss him so much.”

How has James Harden turned out with the Nets?

Article continues below this ad

Last year around this time, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant passed away in a tragic helicopter accident. Since then, people are sharing their favorite Kobe stories, keeping his memory alive.

So far, it looks like Harden’s place in the Nets was meant to be. His chemistry with his former teammate, Kevin Durant, is off the charts and it’s only a matter of time before Kyrie Irving also gets added to the equation.

Article continues below this ad

With his addition, with the team get even better? Or is it going to be another ball hogging disastrous situation for Brooklyn?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.

James Harden Reveals How Kobe Bryant Reacted to his ‘Smack Talk’ in Their First Meeting

Kobe Bryant is on his mind

Trending

“You 7’4, I’m 6′10”: Dwight Howard Responds After Shaquille O’Neal Gets JJ Redick’s Verdict on Orlando Legacy

Days After $800K Loss, Bronny James Spotted at Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Me’arah’s 18th Birthday Bash

“Bron Is a Gift & Curse”: LeBron James Humiliating Darvin Ham in Leaked Video Is Excusable, Claims NBA Legend

“It Was Embarrassing and It Was My Fault”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Lifelong Regret Still Haunts 7ft Giant to This Day

Lakers News: Headache for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, as Ex-Coach Shuts Door on LA Return Following Ty Lue Decision

How has James Harden turned out with the Nets?