While a lot of young players may say that Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, or even LeBron James inspired them to pursue their basketball dreams, Kobe Bryant is also one of the most popular ones who served as inspiration to many. Golden State Warriors star forward Kevin Durant certainly thinks so, as he recently revealed that Bryant was the one who made him pick up a basketball at a young age.

When asked what the Los Angeles Lakers legend meant to him as an aspiring NBA player years ago, Kevin Durant credited him for all the happiness he brought to a lot of people. The reigning Finals MVP then added, via ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward, that kids use Bryant as motivation to also become the best basketball players that they can be.

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Kevin Durant, together with his Warriors teammates, witnessed the jersey retirement of Bryant on Monday night inside Staples Center. He also played the role of hero once again for his team by hitting the game-winning jumper in the dying seconds, to lift the Warriors to victory, 116-114.

There will truly be no other player like Kobe Bryant. Someone may win five championships, become MVP, and have multiple All-Star appearances in their careers, but apart from it being a tall order to even match, the Lakers great's work ethic and competitiveness is unparalleled and will forever inspire the players of the future.