Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant never needed to look far to find the extra motivation or gain a mental edge over his opponent, something DeMar DeRozan knows all too well.

The San Antonio Spurs swingman told Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson of the “All The Smoke” podcast about a time he chose to wear Jordan sneakers instead of Kobe's when suiting up against the Lakers.

DeRozan, then with the Toronto Raptors, said Bryant went at him all game, but the most definitive moment came at the end of the contest.

Toronto led by one with just seven seconds to play when the Lakers called timeout. DeRozan said Bryant walked past the Raptors bench and said they left him too much time. Kobe promptly went out and drilled the game-winner.

DeRozan has spoken about the shoe business with Kobe before, but this is the first time he mentioned what Bryant said before hitting the shot.

Judging from the clips, it is pretty evident Kobe did indeed mouth off to the Raptors bench, considering the Lakers legend glares back after knocking down the jumper. Vintage Mamba stuff right there.

DeRozan always thought of Kobe as an idol.

The Compton native was still an adolescent when Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were beginning their ascent to the top of the league for the Lakers.

DeRozan, meanwhile, would go on to become a collegiate star at the University of Southern California before having the opportunity to lace up the sneakers against Bryant himself. Apparently, DeMar should have worn the Kobes.