Kobe Bryant is considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, Bryant's former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Derek Fisher isn't happy about how it took a tragic death for people to fully appreciate the Black Mamba.
The former Lakers point guard joined media members, former players and teammates for NBA on TNT on Tuesday where he let his opinion be known.
“I just hate that this had to happen in order for us to appreciate the full version of Kobe Bryant.”
Derek Fisher reflected on his former Lakers teammate.
(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/tGRgh7RVu5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 29, 2020
Fisher and Bryant came into the league together as rookies from the 1996 draft class. Bryant was picked just nine picks ahead of his future teammate.
The two played together in Los Angeles for 13 seasons from 1996 to 2004 and then once again from 2007 to 2012. While Bryant was an absolute superstar for the Lakers, Fisher was the perfect supporting piece for a Purple and Gold franchise that was in the midst of a dominant decade.
Fisher was a part of all five of the Lakers' championships from the last decade (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) as was Bryant. After an 18-season NBA career, Fisher spent three seasons as the head coach of the New York Knicks and is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
Bryant was tragically killed this past weekend in a helicopter crash that killed eight other passengers, including his 13-year-old daughter Gigi.
Derek Fisher added that when he learned the disheartening news of Kobe Bryant's passing, he was on his way to catch a plane at the airport. At the request of his family, he returned home to mourn with those he loved. Fisher also noted that the Calabasas, California accident happened just three exits from his house.
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