Serving as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs since 1996, Gregg Popovich has had his heart broken many times by Kobe Bryant's on-court heroics during the Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers' plenty of iconic battles over the years.
That pain resonated for the 71-year-old legendary mentor last week, as he came to grips with the untimely passing of Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other companions who were involved in a horrific helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Ahead of the Spurs' road game against the Lakers at Staples Center on Tuesday, Pop reflected on Bryant's impact on the sport and how he influenced millions of people who did not even know him personally.
He described the fallen basketball icon as a true “superhero”, per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.
Gregg Popovich on Kobe Bryant, as the Spurs prepare to play the Lakers for this first time since the NBA legend's death. It is a 2-minute soliloquy: pic.twitter.com/X0z6cTmdDo
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) February 5, 2020
After starting out as a deputy for the Spurs organization from 1988-92, Gregg Popovich got his big break when he was given full reigns in San Antonio in 1996.
Coincidentally, this was also around the same time Kobe Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.
The Spurs and the Lakers would both find success in the coming years and establish a dynasty by winning multiple championships along the way.
The two teams have become the epitome of greatness while engaging in multiple seven-game series throughout the years.
Bryant was a big problem for Pop whenever their respective teams faced each other on the court. Off of it, the pair of enigmatic figures have developed a mutual respect for one another.
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