Few people outside of the Lakers organization can appreciate Kobe Bryant as much as San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
After facing each other in nine playoff series over the past 20 years, Popovich got an even closer look at his longtime foe when coaching him in the All-Star Game last week.
During a practice, Popovich guarded Bryant and called foul on some of his tactics.
“He got competitive and he elbowed me so he could get by me, because I’m so quick (that) I was staying in front of him,” Popovich laughed before Friday’s game between the Lakers and Spurs.