It’s hard to believe two full seasons have passed since Kobe Bryant last laced up his kicks for the Lakers. A career spanning 20 years was peppered with copious highlights, awards, records and yes angst filled losses by the OKC Thunder to the Lakers because of the Mamba.
Yet, there are also incredible wins the Thunder registered against the Lakers including playoff victories which heralded the passing of the torch from Bryant to Westbrook and Durant.
Yet on this Kobe Bryant’s 40th birthday, it feels appropriate to pay homage to the man who Russell Westbrook (an LA native) likely grew up admiring.