When Will Barton III reflects on the impact Kobe Bryant had on him, he recalls his first start in the NBA.
Then a Trail Blazer, Barton III was a largely unheralded second-round rookie in the 2012-13 season, trying to fight to make a name for himself on a struggling 33-47 team. On the other end of the court was the Lakers and Bryant, a five-time NBA champion who is largely considered to be one of the greatest players to grace the game. Following the matchup, a 111-107 loss for Portland on April 10, 2013, Barton III was surprised to see Bryant was waiting for him at STAPLES Center.