In every basketball generation, there would always be a legend in the making. And perhaps in the generation right after Michael Jordan, the NBA has witnessed how Kobe Bryant became a legend in his own distinct way.
Now that the Kobe has finally and officially announced his retirement, the NBA is looking back on the contribution of the "Black Mamba" into the sport loved almost by all. Almost every generation that followed Kobe Bryant has knowingly acknowledged the brilliance and superiority of Kobe inside the court. Even Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunders acknowledged the influence of Kobe in his career. In an interview via newsok, KD stated that;
"I did idolize Kobe Bryant. I studied him, wanted to be like him. He was our Michael Jordan. I watched Michael toward the end of his career with the Wizards and I've seen that's what Kobe emerged as the guy for us."
However, Durant's statement also contains some disdain, addressed especially towards the media. Durant was more concerned on how the media has treated Kobe Bryant, treating him like s***. Durant via newsok added that;
"I've been disappointed this year because you guys (media) treated him like s***. He's a legend and all I hear is about how bad he's playing, how bad he's shooting, time for him to hang it up. You guys treated one of our legends like s*** and I didn't really like it. Hopefully now you can start being nice to him now that he decided to retire after this year. It was sad the way he was getting treated."
In the end, Durant further stated that he would be looking for some advice from Kobe despite the Mamba being out of the league. "He had just an amazing career, a guy who changed the game for me as a player mentally and physically. Means so much to the game of basketball. Someone I'm always gonna look to advice for anything. Just a brilliant, brilliant, intelligent man. Sad to see him go. He put his mark on the game," said Durant.