With only one game remaining in his 20-year career, many have begun speaking about the legacy that Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will leave in the NBA. Something that many speak about when discussing Kobe is his passion and desire to win at all costs, something that many see in Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook is one of the most intense players in the NBA today and is always looking to rip the heart out of his opponents, something that Kobe is famous for.
After his final game against the Thunder, Kobe spoke about Westbrook and said that he sees plenty of similarities between himself and the Thunder star via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Kobe said he sees "a ton" of similarities w/ him & Westbrook: "plays the game w/ such an energy, an aggressiveness. Needs to be appreciated"
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 12, 2016
Bryant added that Westbrook isn’t trying to make any friends on the court via Winters:
More Kobe on Russell Westbrook: "He’s not out there trying to be cute w/ the basketball, not trying to make friends."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 12, 2016
Kobe and Westbrook surely share that trait as Bryant was well known to trash talk his opponents as early as the captain’s handshake before the game. Kobe was always looking to gain an edge on his opponents and Westbrook is the same way.
There are very few players left from the previous era, and even fewer with Kobe’s mindset. It will be very difficult to see Kobe leave, but fans can at least take solace that there is at least one person who inherits some of Kobe’s traits.
