ICYMI, Lakers: Kobe and KD Exchange Compliments, Shoes After Game (Video)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Thunder forward Kevin Durant have developed quite the friendship in recent years

Throughout his career, Kobe Bryant had earned the reputation of being a recluse. Even in high school, when teammates would go out and party, Kobe would be in the gym getting better.

That said, in an odd turn of events, in his final NBA season, the Black Mamba is all smiles, willing to take almost any player under his wing who is willing to listen.

Reminiscent of a grandpa talking to his grandkids about “the good ol’ days,” it is odd to see Kobe in this light. This is the very same Kobe who not long ago was calling teammates “soft as charmin,” or screaming at Pau Gasol for a missed rotation.

Kobe’s latest “grandkid” is Oklahoma City Thunder small forward, Kevin Durant, as the two shared kind words after a 35-point beat down at STAPLES Center.

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Exchanging jerseys has always been tradition in soccer, with the NFL even following suit in recent weeks, but in typical Kobe fashion, he put his own spin on the past and actually exchanged sneakers with Kevin Durant.

Kobe even went as far as inscribing a special message on the his Kobe X shoe for Kevin Durant, “To KD, be the greatest.”

Fans were high on the conspiracy that Kevin Durant would one day become a Laker, due to his current contractual situation, but hopes of this seemingly slip away with every 35+ point Thunder embarrassment of the core projected to be the Lakers’ future.

All things considered, with the TV money kicking in for the NBA, it’s more likely that Durant sign another one year deal with Oklahoma City after this season, give the tandem of Russell Westbrook and himself one last shot to see if they can win it all, then go from there.

This may be a tough pill to swallow for Lakers fans, but unless the Lakers make some major moves, KD to LA is dead in the water.

Next: What Vintage Kobe Means for the Lakers

Be sure to tune in for the next Lakers contest as they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas Day at STAPLES.