Even a full two years after his passing, the memory of Kobe Bryant still burns brightly among fans and players all across the NBA landscape. Among active players, few of them can claim to be bigger Bryant fans than former Toronto Raptors sensation DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan tried to pattern large portions of his game after Kobe, as both of them were expert mid-range snipers with a penchant for coming through in the clutch. To this day, the Bulls star will lace up Kobe-branded shoes.
On Serge Ibaka’s “How Hungry are You?” show, DeRozan was very open about his connection with Bryant. He also managed to poke the bear during one of their head-to-head matchups.
Right after hinting he would’ve considered a Raptors reunion if Kyle Lowry returned, DeRozan dropped yet another gold anecdote about what it was like playing against Bryant when his Lakers were really dominant.
DeRozan claims that he decided to ditch his usual Kobe shoes in favor of some Jordan when the two matched up. According to DeRozan, Bryant was extremely ticked off about his wardrobe change. All he did was hit a crushing game-winner right in DeRozan’s face as payback.
Kobe Bryant got one over on DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors.
Not only did Kobe hit a game-winner against Toronto during DeRozan’s rookie season, but also nailed a game-winning jumper in Canada in 2012. DeRozan scored just eight points in that game while Bryant put up 27 in the Lakers victory. While DeRozan was coming into his own, Kobe was at the peak of his powers.
Be it Chandler Parsons or Shaquille O’Neal, everyone seems to have a Kobe story that stays near and dear to their heart. That blend of confidence, trash talk, and mercurial skill made him an absolute joy to watch and play against. His passing has left a huge hole in the middle of the fabric of the NBA.
DeMar's choice of Kobe's for tonight.@DeMar_DeRozan | #BullsKicks pic.twitter.com/dwE7jqZYrX
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 7, 2022
Growing up in Southern California and attending USC right in the heart of LA, one of the centerpieces of Toronto’s dominant decade very clearly idolized Bryant during his formative basketball years. That style of play defined a generation of basketball, and his impact is still being felt today.
Kobe had some of his most memorable nights in his pro career against the Raptors, including multiple game-winners and his 81-point outburst that will never be forgotten. The NBA has done an amazing job keeping Bryant’s memory alive, with players like DeRozan leading the charge.