After Kawhi Leonard scorched Sacramento for 30 points earlier this week, Kings star DeMarcus Cousins said he saw “flashes of Kobe” in the Spurs forward’s still-developing game.
Elsewhere, an Internet rumor insisted Leonard had spent the summer working out with Kobe Bryant, further patterning his approach to the Black Mamba’s. It made some sense: Both are Southern California guys and incorrigible gym rats, both have names that begin with the letter ‘K.’ And, let’s face it, parts of Leonard’s game are beginning to look downright Kobe-ish.
After Saturday night’s 98-79 victory over the Pelicans, in which he scored 16 of his 20 points during the decisive third quarter, Leonard gently laid the Kobe rumor to rest.