Russell Westbrook mourns loss of ‘idol and inspiration’ Kobe Bryant

In an Instagram post, Russell Westbrook said he was “devastated” over Kobe Bryant’s death and had struggled to put it all into words.

Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook took to Instagram early Saturday morning to compose his thoughts regarding the shocking death of Kobe Bryant, who Westbrook referred to as an “idol and inspiration.”

The Rockets honored Bryant with a tribute of their own before Friday’s game. Westbrook went on to score 32 points and dish out nine assists, leading the Rockets (30-18) to a much-needed win over Dallas (29-19).

In his on-court postgame interview at Toyota Center, Westbrook said:

I know if Kobe was here, he’d tell me to go out and compete at the highest level. That’s what I’m going to do each and every night, and make sure I leave it on the floor for him. In his honor, his family, his daughter, and those on the plane, as well.

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Hours later, the former MVP and nine-time NBA All-Star used social media to express his thoughts after an emotional and turbulent week.

In his message, Westbrook told the story of when he first met Bryant at 16 years old during a pickup basketball game. From there, Westbrook strived to emulate Bryant’s renowned “Mamba mentality,” and their relationship blossomed on a personal level, as well.

Westbrook writes:

I recognized in him what I always felt in myself. He became a friend, a brother, a mentor, a teacher, he defended me, he believed in me, and he taught me how to weather the storm. I can go on and on, but I want to thank you for being my idol and inspiration. I will pray for you and your family every day, just as I do my own. I love you, Kobe.

View this post on Instagram

I’ve been stuck and not really knowing how to put all that I’ve been feeling into words over the past several days. I am devastated about the passing of Kobe & Gigi, on every level. I met Kobe when I was 16 at UCLA playing against him in a pick up game. He played like it was the NBA finals. From that point on, I decided that I wanted to emulate his Mamba mentality. At the time, there was no name for it, but I recognized in him what I always felt in myself. He became a friend, a brother, a mentor, a teacher, he defended me, he believed in me, and he taught me how to weather the storm. I can go on and on, but I want to thank you for being my idol, & inspiration. I will pray for you and your family everyday just as I do my own. I love you Kobe. My heart and prayers also go out to the other families involved in last weeks accident. #RIPKobe #RIPGigi

A post shared by Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) on

Now 31 years old, Westbrook began the personal note by stating that he is “devastated about the passing… on every level.”

“I’ve been stuck and not really knowing how to put all that I’ve been feeling into words over the past several days,” writes Westbrook, who included a photo of himself hugging Bryant.

On Sunday, the 41-year-old Bryant died in a helicopter crash. All nine people on board perished, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and three other daughters.

The tragedy has brought a renewed focus on Bryant’s unique and historic legacy, both on and off the court. With regards to Westbrook, beyond their friendship, it became clear over the years that Bryant saw much of his renowned on-court passion and tenacity in the younger Westbrook.

During 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 through 2016, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion; an 18-time All-Star; a two-time Olympic gold medalist; and an MVP, among his numerous accolades. He’s the No. 4 scorer in NBA history, one spot above Michael Jordan.

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