Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins has revealed that his favorite memory with the late Kobe Bryant is when Perkins tried to guard Kobe, but Kobe outclassed him with a sleek move.
Kobe Bryant is considered by a faction of NBA fans as the greatest of all time. Whether that is a legitimate claim is another debate, but for sure Kobe is one of greatest players ever to throw hoops. The iconic 18-time NBA all-star had a very decorated career. He spent his entire 20-year career at the Los Angeles Lakers. He helped them to 5 NBA titles, alongside winning a host of different individual accolades.
Kobe, who passed away in 2020 in a helicopter crash, was known for his hard work, game intelligence, as well as his mind games. One such incident of Kobe playing mind games was recently recalled by former NBA star Kendrick Perkins. Perkins, who himself had a very decorated career, responded to a Tweet asking players/people share their favorite memory of “Black Mamba”.
In response to the Tweet, Perkins recalled an encounter on the court when he tried to guard Kobe, but was outdone by a sleek move. As Perkins almost hit the floor while defending, Kobe said to him while tracking back, “Now don’t make me snatch that other ACL”
Switched out on Kobe and tried to guard him… he hit me some move and damn near made me fall and hit the shot! We were running back and said alright now don’t make me snatch that other ACL https://t.co/2mGXb7BRmq
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 31, 2022
This one incident portrays Kobe’s greatness as a player. He was smart enough to initially outdo Perkins when he was being guarded, but also did not forget to throw a jibe at the former Celtics’ man to unsettle his nerves.
These are fine margins that separate a good player from the greats. And Kobe, without a doubt, is one of the greatest of all time.
