1. Damian Lillard
It’s Dame Time.
Potentially the best clutch player in the game today, Damian Lillard has the complete package to carry on Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality. Having come from a relatively small school in Weber State, his motivation level is something special. Several players in the NBA have “swag”, but Lillard is someone that can back it up.
Damian Lillard is not the most physically gifted athlete, but he may be one of the most skilled. He has the ability to pull-up from 35 feet or gets to the rim with ease, making defending him extremely difficult. Opposing teams pray that they can keep Damian Lillard contained. Once the all-star point guard gets going it can be nearly impossible to stop him.
During the prime of Kobe Bryant’s career, a majority of his peers considered him the best closer in the game. In today’s league, that title goes to Dame.
He infamously buried the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs last season, which eventually led to their demise. Witnessing Lillard’s calm demeanor following that series-clinching bucket was similar to what we have all seen from the Black Mamba.
Potentially one of Damian Lillard’s strongest ties to Kobe Bryant is his undying loyalty. In an era where most star players have changed teams, Lillard has stayed committed to the Portland Trailblazers. He has a long way to go to match Kobe’s 20-year Lakers’ tenure; however, as of now, Damian Lillard appears content in his current situation.