Kobe Bryant has a unique legacy in the NBA, which means many players idolized him. One player who respected Bryant was Paul George, who wore #24 as a homage to Bryant.
During the 2015-16 season, Kobe Bryant held the legendary retirement tour. Everyone in the NBA community knew he would retire by the end of the season. Players like Paul George wanted a final duel with their idol, and the former Indiana Pacers star made sure of it.
In the final match in February 2016, George got his final laugh on a 21-point night with an 89-87 victory. Bryant had a strong night, especially in the fourth quarter. He had 19 points, of which 11 came in the fourth quarter.
In that game, George knew it was his last chance to play against his hero. George couldn’t exercise with the idol, so he wanted to confirm that. He confirmed that he matches Bryant.
Knowing that Bryant was going to retire was monumental to a player like George. They wanted to play against their idol at the end. George grew up in Southern California as a Los Angeles Lakers and Bryant fan, making it even more meaningful for George.
The young star wanted to make the most of his opportunity. He was his main match against Kobe, so he tried to protect him well, like Prime Tony Allen. For most of the game, George kept Bryant quiet, but Black Mamba couldn’t be denied in his fourth quarter performance.
“I wasn’t Paul George who came to myself yet. I was able to play Kobe. At that moment, it was Kobe last year. He was trying to get through that season, so he was out of a few games,” George said on the podcast P.
“I’m in Indy, I’m tracking it. Kobe missed this game. Kobe missed that game. I’m going to Indiana tonight.
“I knew it was my last chance to play against him. I got Kobe. No one matches Kobe. Tonight is not me. I wanted to beat Kobe like hell.
For a long time, George has maintained a connection to Bryant’s legacy. He wants to honor Bryant. That’s why he chose #24 early in his career and #8 when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
George may not have had a top 2024-25 season, but he wants to continue pushing and improving. He wants to bounce back and prove he still deserves his four-year $212 million contract. George still has a good reputation among his peers, including Patrick Beverly, who said George could be a critical piece for the candidate.
People like Draymond Green criticize George, but he is on his way to red. The former Fresno standout wants to stand out, and he wants to continue it with #8, which Bryant made famous.