Russell Westbrook Speaks On Close Relationship With Kobe Bryant During Lakers Presser

Newly acquired Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook had his introductory press conference with the team today. And it was no surprise that he referenced playing for Kobe Bryant’s franchise.

Westbrook (like many NBA players) was mentored by Kobe, and embodies the “Mamba mentality” just about as much as anyone in the league.

Here’s what Russ had to say about Bryant and the Lakers on Tuesday:

“Things that we talked about, me and him, just the potential of me being a Laker and understanding what that entails. It’s just crazy to think about. That’ll be with me every time I put that Laker jersey on,” Westbrook Said.

Russell Westbrook on his relationship with Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/idsmLZCF0j

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 10, 2021

When Kobe Bryant died in the tragic helicopter crash, Russell Westbrook was one of many players around the league who had a heartfelt response.

“I’ve been stuck and not really knowing how to put all that I’ve been feeling into words over the past several days. I am devastated about the passing of Kobe & Gigi, on every level,” Russell Westbrook wrote in an Instagram post shortly after Kobe Bryant’s passing. “I met Kobe when I was 16 at UCLA playing against him in a pick up game. He played like it was the NBA finals. From that point on, I decided that I wanted to emulate his Mamba mentality. At the time, there was no name for it, but I recognized in him what I always felt in myself. He became a friend, a brother, a mentor, a teacher, he defended me, he believed in me, and he taught me how to weather the storm. I can go on and on, but I want to thank you for being my idol, & inspiration. I will pray for you and your family everyday just as I do my own. I love you Kobe. My heart and prayers also go out to the other families involved in last weeks accident. #RIPKobe #RIPGigi

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During a 2015 interview, Kobe Bryant was asked if anyone in the league plays the game like he did. The Mamba immediately pointed to Russell Westbrook.

Kobe Bryant asked this in 2015:

"Anybody have that same fire, that same passion that you have for the game?"

Kobe: "Westbrook plays mean. He plays mean like I did." pic.twitter.com/Ii74gLdzIc

— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) January 26, 2020

It’s clear that Russell Westbrook had a special relationship with Kobe Bryant. And it’s pretty cool that Russ will now get the chance to play in Staples Center, as well.

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