Los Angeles Lakers: Comparing Kobe Bryant as 8 and 24

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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 13: Carmelo Anthony /

Carmelo Anthony: I wouldn’t call the interactions between Bryant and ‘Melo a rivalry as much as I would just call it mutual respect. Throughout the years of knowing Carmelo and going up against him in competition, an element of something more than a competition began to develop.

A bond began to grow between the two, strengthening even more over their Olympic break in 2008 for Team USA. The physicality and ruggedness of Carmelo’s game truly brought out the best in Bryant, meeting in the playoffs in 2008, 2009, and 2012, with the Lakers going 3-0 in that time span. Back in 2011, Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report recalls a time when Kobe and ‘Melo shared a friendly rivalry.

After a heated matchup against Anthony, Kobe was quoted saying:

"“I enjoy going up against Melo because I always win,”"

and:

"“That’s a big kid. He’s like a brother to me. I love him.”"

Head to Head in wins: Kobe – 16/Carmelo – 12

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