Come Quote by Tom Thibodeau

I played against Kobe a lot when I was in high school during the summers, even in college, just being that guy in L.A.…

— DeMar DeRozan

Growing up in L.A., Kobe was my idol, really.

— Nick Young

I grew up - obviously I'm from Philly, where Kobe is from, so we grew up idolizing Kobe. He meant everything to us.

— Markieff Morris

It was great to be in the gym with Kobe. He's so particular about the game and... why and how things work. That's one…

— Kyle Kuzma

I met Kobe during my first year, before a game.

— Nikola Jokic

When you played Kobe, it was something different. When you went to L.A., you made sure your shoes were tied extra tight. You made…

— Channing Frye

I didn't work out with Kobe. I don't know where that came from. I wish I could have.

— Kawhi Leonard

Growing up in L.A., every kid wants to play for the Lakers. As a kid I went to their championship parades, bought a Kobe…

— Nick Young

I grew up a huge fan of Kobe.

— Julius Randle

Kobe was, other than my parents, he was the reason why I played sports. Just his mindset, the Mamba mentality.

— George Kittle

During my rookie year, Kobe was always on me. Get in the gym early with him, getting shots and stuff like that.

— Jordan Clarkson

I'm from Denver, and basketball there isn't near what it is out in Chicago or Detroit or L.A. There weren't that many great players…

— Chauncey Billups