Tim Legler started playing in the NBA in 1988 and continued until 1999. Throughout his tenure and beyond, when he transitioned to sportscasting in 2000, he has seen several athletes. His professional career ended at the same time as Kobe Bryant's did. He would admit on JJ Redick's podcast that he had truly met Bryant before to the latter's NBA debut. Legler played frequently for the Dallas Mavericks during 1993. He visited a gym in Philadelphia in the off-season in an effort to work out. Basketball players from colleges and other NBA pros visited the location.
Not just the 56-year-old celebrity was moved by the impressionable Bryant. Gilbert Arenas would also talk about how Bryant helped him improve as a player. Many players have first-hand knowledge of the "Mamba Mentality." Bryant declared for the 1996 NBA draught two years after his fight with Jones. Few teams were willing to take a chance on a high school talent. By chance, Bryant met Jones' teammate on the Lakers. We wonder if they ever broached the subject of their previous encounter.