Kobe Bryant jersey retirement: Warriors stars excited to be in L.A.
Reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors are thrilled to be a part of a special occasion on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) when the Los Angeles Lakers hang the jerseys of Kobe Bryant in the rafters of the Staples Center. During halftime of the Lakers vs Warriors game, Los Angeles will honour the legacy of the Black Mamba.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr wants his players to be on the court to soak in the atmosphere and partake in the festivities. Before calling Bryant "one of the greatest players in history," Kerr said he had no intention to show the tape of the first half to his players, a routine that Golden State follows during every regular game.
"Just the experience in seeing one of the greatest players in the history of the game getting his jersey retired and we happen to be there. I'm not going to keep them in the locker room to watch tape of the first half. The players would look at me like I was nuts. There's something interesting going on the floor. Let's go out there," Kerr said after a practice session on Saturday.
Kobe Bryant jersey retirement: Kevin Durant thrilled
Kevin Durant, who idolised Bryant while growing up, revealed that he received in-depth on competitiveness from the Laker legend during his rookie season in the NBA. After 11 seasons in the league, Durant believes Bryant's tenacity remains unmatched.
"It was my first taste of fourth-quarter basketball in the NBA. He fouled me all of the way up until I got the ball. It was a blatant foul, and the referee just stared at him, looked at him and didn't call the foul. It was a level I knew I had to get to. That's what made me realize that there's certain players on different levels, and that you have to wait to get to that point," Durant said while revealing his first encounter with Bryant.
Durant still treasures Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff series win over Bryant's Lakers in 2012. "That was a proud moment, playing so well, and finally beating his team in the playoffs. A couple of years before, they eliminated us in the first round. So, I can say that I won in one-on-one against Kobe in the playoffs. Not too many people can say that. But he does have five championships."
Since Kobe Bryant won multiple championships wearing both jerseys (No. 8 and No. 24), the Lakers will retire both numbers. Last year, the San Antonio Spurs honoured legendary big man Tim Duncan with a special night. Bryant, who helped the Lakers capture five championships, averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists during his 20-year career.
