“He was our Michael Jordan”: Kevin Durant once reflected in a heartfelt moment on the lasting mark Kobe Bryant left on him

Kevin Durant’s NBA career has been shaped by many great players, but none appeared larger than the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Growing up in a league transitioning from one generation to another, Durant admired and looked up to players who showcased hard work, focus, and a strong competitive spirit, and Kobe represented all of that.Over the years, Durant’s admiration evolved into something deeper. With time, what started as looking up to a legend turned into a relationship built on competition and respect. Their connection later became one of the most meaningful connections in today’s NBA. As Kevin Durant entered the NBA in 2007 with the Seattle SuperSonics, his relationship with Kobe Bryant gradually began to shift. During the 2012 U.S. Olympics, that was held in London, playing on the same team alongside Bryant allowed Durant to see Bryant’s leadership up close.“I did idolize Kobe Bryant. I studied him, wanted to be like him. He was our Michael Jordan”, Durant once said, reflecting on the relationship he shared with Bryant. After Bryant’s retirement from the NBA, Durant continued to reflect on the influence Braynt had over him. He often spoke about how Bryant helped him understand leadership and pressure. Kobe Bryant’s famous 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors is remembered as one of the greatest scoring performances in NBA history. For Kevin Durant, that night carried a meaning that helped strengthen his relationship with his father. What started as a simple decision to watch basketball late at night slowly turned into a memory Durant still holds close. At the time, Durant was just a teenager, still figuring out his own dreams. “It was going close to midnight as he was going up to 81. My dad had just bought the NBA package that year for the first time, and we were so excited in the house watching games. We finally said, you know what, we’re going to stay up a little bit longer and watch some Lakers basketball”, Durant said. Durant's relationship with his father wasn't always easy growing up. “That was a great decision by us. Me and my dad, that brought us closer as a father and son, to be watching that live like that”. What a memorable time. Somebody who set the standard for all of us basketball players, what a moment”, Durant once stated. When Kobe passed away, Durant honored the loss as deeply personal, like losing a mentor rather than just a basketball legend.