Kobe Bryant of the Lakers used to adore the former all-star, saying, “I wish I had his hands.”
Kobe Bryant of the Lakers used to adore the former all-star, saying, "I wish I had his hands."
Kobe Bryant, the former standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has always been a fan of all things basketball. He studied how to become just like the NBA players he saw as a boy.
Bryant modeled his play after former NBA player Michael Jordan, who served as his primary inspiration. Many made comparisons between the two players, with Bryant being mentioned as the one who most closely resembles Jordan since Jordan was a player.
To improve his footwork and other abilities that he could require on the court, Bryant, however, also observed other players. Julius Irving, a former star of the Philadelphia 76ers, was one in particular.
When Irving was on the floor, he was an electric craft player. He won a title with Philadelphia in 1983 as a result of his highlight-reel plays made possible by his athleticism.
In a 2008 interview with Slam, the late Bryant discussed Irving and said he wishes he had some of his abilities.
“I wish his hands were mine. In 2008, Bryant told Slam that “he could just pick up the ball and go and do so many creative things.” “To be compared to somebody like that is such a tremendous honor—as well as the others who are compared to him.”
Bryant was unique among players, but that was because he took notes from the more experienced ones. He practiced what he learned from watching stars like Irving on the court during his playing career.
Bryant did a great job of imitating the more experienced players while still adding his own flair. He achieved professional greatness by winning five NBA championships.
