Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant reveals what he learned most from Kobe Bryant

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Anthony Amador | Last updated 12/9/22

Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest basketball players that ever lived.

The respect they had for one another is well known.

In light of Bryant’s passing, Durant has taken a more reflective tone on his old friend in recent years.

This week, during a session with reporters, Durant confessed what he learned from Bryant that has always stuck with him.

Kevin Durant said it was “really cool” to hear Hornets HC Steve Clifford compare his preparation to Kobe Bryant’s.

KD when asked what he learned most from Kobe:

“Really, just don’t be a crybaby.” pic.twitter.com/yrbR9DMp4h

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) December 8, 2022

“Really, just don’t be a crybaby,” Durant revealed.

“I was at that age at 23 where I felt like the world revolved around me, and he was real humble with how he approached the game, how he approached his teammates, just life in general. So I just learned from watching his movements.

“He didn’t say much but he was an example just by how he moved and I try to emulate (that). Like I said, him and Michael (Jordan) are two dudes I emulate on and off the court what they do and it only made me better.”

Bryant famously described Durant as the hardest player for him to figure out how to defend.

Durant, meanwhile, has described at length his beef with Bryant and how he coped with it.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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