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Los Angeles Lakers: Comparing Kobe Bryant as 8 and 24

By Leandre Ochoa

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: The Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Fame player banners are seen at STAPLES Center on April 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: The Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Fame player banners are seen at STAPLES Center on April 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 11: Kobe Bryant /

Dwight Howard: Not really a rivalry, but has to be noted that:

  1. Kobe once posterized Howard when he was a rookie, with a full on, in-your-face jam.
  2. Kobe won his 4th NBA title against a “Superman” led Orlando Magic, arguably Bryant’s least challenging Finals appearance.
  3. Was Kobe’s teammate in 2012, ultimately bolting for free agency that summer. Kobe called Howard “soft” and a “teddy bear”.

Dwayne Wade: Although Wade and Kobe only met twice a year, they always used those moments to showcase their talent aggressively against one another. When comparing both of their careers, Kobe and Wade was the #1 and #2 guards in the game, respectively. Both players played with Shaq, both were perennial All-NBA players, and both players won championships. A duel at Staples Center in 2009 ended with a shot for shot exchange between the two, culminating with an off balanced, left footed, game-winning buzzer beater by Bryant. 

Head to Head in wins: Wade – 11/Kobe – 8

Kevin Durant: Kobe and Durant have had minor history in the past, but leaving him off this list would be hard to do. Mark Medina, former writer for the LA Daily News, shares in his Q&A with Durant and the mentorship role Bryant had on him. Kobe played against Durant and the Thunder in the 2010 Playoffs, with the Lakers prevailing 4-2, but in 2012, the Lakers lost handily to Durant, getting swept 4-0. After 2012, Kobe slowed considerably down, as Kevin Durant entered the prime of his career. Had they had crossed paths during the better part of their respective careers, we would have seen a Western Conference rivalry ripen right before our eyes.

Head to Head in wins: Durant – 23/Kobe – 16

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