The tragic passing of NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is still sending shockwaves throughout the NBA community, but it really is hitting hard for Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris.
Harris mentioned that Bryant is one of his childhood heroes and when he heard the news of Bryant’s passing, it hit him hard. He expressed his range of emotions on Twitter and then gave more reaction on Monday at practice.
It hits even harder when Harris revealed he was able to work out with his idol over the summer.
“As a kid growing up watching him, I was a Laker fan as a young kid watching Kobe,” he said. “Modeling his work ethic inspired my game. When I got to the league, I played against him. We had a couple of conversations in games. This summer I got to go out to LA, there was a group of like 15 guys, and we were working out with him for like two days so during those two days I got to talk with him and communicate with him, pick his brain on some things basketball-wise and that for me was like a dream come true.”
Bryant inspired a generation of basketball players to work hard and get to the league and this is no different. Harris has shown off a committed work ethic his entire career and Bryant contributed to that during those two days in Los Angeles.
“Being able to get lessons taught by Kobe is a once in a lifetime,” he added. “Those dialogues and those communications that him and myself had, I’ll never forget.”
Bryant, being from Philadelphia himself, told Harris that he keeps an eye on the Sixers despite being a Laker at heart after all of his years in the league.
“He pulls for the Lakers heavy because that’s where he played, but he said ‘I love Philly. I want you guys to do it big.’,” Harris explained. “I remember him saying that. I knew he was watching that game, us vs. Lakers, and I knew he was impressed with our play. He was impressed with everybody, LeBron (James) surpassing and whatnot. I think the whole timing of it was unreal to me.”
Harris will now have to refocus as the Sixers get set to take on the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. [lawrence-related id=24352,24351,24333]