“No One Likes to Say it for Some Reason”: LA Clippers Guard Left Baffled Over Kobe Bryant’s Exclusion From GOAT Conversation

There are some players who are so great, that even rivals are in awe of them. Among this club was Kobe Bryant. One of the most talented players to play in the NBA, Bryant spent two decades in the league, winning five championships and one MVP. It has been months since he passed away, but his impact was so deep that players still reminisce about his playing days.

While making an appearance on The JJ Redick podcast, Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley spoke about Kobe’s greatness. Redick initiated the conversation by saying Kobe was unguardable. “I feel like you could play great D on Kobe and it didn’t matter. It’s up to him, he’s going to make, or he’s going to miss.”

Beverley couldn’t agree more. He said, “And whatever he did, it might seem basic, it might seem slow, but there’s nothing you could do to block this man’s shot. I don’t care how many pump fakes he gave you.” 

Kobe Bryant: Always the hardest worker

Later, Redick asked Beverley if Kobe belonged in the GOAT conversation. “Yes,” Beverley replied. “Game changer. When it comes to drive and determination after MJ, who was it? But no one likes to say it for some reason. Kobe taught people how to work hard. He gave you the blueprint of what you should do to be a successful basketball player. People tend to forget about it.”

Redick later concluded by saying, “I think the thing you’re talking about, that I appreciate the most is his maniacal pursuit of excellence and it wasn’t anyone else driving him to do that. It was self-motivation. To be able to do that for 18-19 years is crazy.”

Beverley was drafted by the Kobe’s Lakers back in 2009, only to be traded away later. He played against Kobe as the Mamba approached the later years of his career. Beverley is regarded as a hard-worker and having Kobe, one of the most hard-working players ever, as his idol is perfect.

One of the most iconic quotes about Kobe’s work ethic came from a Western Conference scout. Back in 2008, he said, “Allen Iverson loves to play when the lights come on. Kobe loves doing the s— before the lights come on.”