Even though it looked like he was fighting it at times, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki finally retired from the game of basketball last season and left as one of the most well-liked stars of his generation. On Sunday, he was courtside for his former team’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
Our own Mark Medina of USA TODAY caught up with Nowitzki on Sunday afternoon, where Nowitzki credited the Lakers for keeping their basketball culture and reflected on his time in the NBA with two Lakers legends: Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
“It’s amazing the basketball culture this club has had for such a long time,” Nowitzki said of the Lakers. “Kobe and LeBron were always two of my favorites to watch and compete against. They know how to prepare with how they’re ready, how they compete every game and their skill level. Definitely two of the best to ever do it.”
It should be said that Dirk’s crowning achievement–the 2011 NBA Championship –only happened because he beat Kobe’s Lakers and LeBron’s Miami Heat in the same season.
As for the Lakers of the present day, they are on the road now where they will play eight of their next nine games, starting tonight in Denver against a strong Nuggets squad.