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As one of the greatest players in NBA history, Kobe Bryant set a standard for winning that is yet to be matched by any players of this era. His commitment to championship glory was always what set him apart from the competition. Even if there winds up being another player in this era that wins five NBA titles and manages to retire with individual accolades similar to Bryant's, his success would no doubt hit fans differently.
As a perennial superstar in the NBA, Kawhi Leonard has shown that his style of play, drive, tenacity and ability to take over the game on both ends of the floor is similar to that of the Black Mamba. Bryant possessed a clutch gene that very few players have ever been able to match. Leonard has previously shown that he can come through for his team in ton multiple occasions.
Nevertheless, we'll now take a look at the three ways Leonard is the closest we have to Bryant in today's NBA.
3. Two-way dominance in high-pressure situations
Granted he's more injury-prone than Kobe Bryant, but when he's at full-strength Leonard is widely considered the most complete two-way player in the game. Bryant wore that label in his prime, too, accounting for his years of dominance on a nightly basis. Once the Klaw returns to action and gets back to All-Star form, there's no doubt we'll see more highlight-worthy performances from him in the coming seasons.
Already having won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, Leonard was known as more of a stopper during his few first years in the NBA. As he's continued to expand his game, though, he's developed a well-rounded offensive repertoire with a smooth shooting stroke and lethal slashing ability that allows him to finish at the basket with ease. Perhaps there are other NBA superstars whose offensive games more notably resemble Kobe's, but Leonard has that killer Mamba Mentality that kicks in when his team needs a big win.
2. Killer mentality with the game on the line
Whenever he returns to the court from months of arduous work strengthening his injured right knee, Leonard will be playing with a chip on his shoulder and ready to lead the LA Clippers to their first NBA title. Leonard also isn't the trash talker that Kobe was, but his signature trait is cut from the same cloth. Leonard is a silent killer, the type of mindset in the same category as the late, great Black Mamba's.
Maybe Bryant's style of play and general demeanor is better exemplified by players like DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler or Devin Booker, but Kawhi's mastery of mid-range scoring mixed in with his versatile defensive prowess and playmaking ability more closely matched Kobe's.
Hopefully we'll get to see Leonard back on the court in 2022, but until then we can reminisce about his previous game-winners and multi-faceted offensive attack that's heavily modeled after the greatest player to ever don the purple and gold. Remember, Leonard used to train with Bryant in the offseason, too.
1. Improving and expanding his game each season
In his continued rise to stardom, Leonard has without a doubt found new ways to improve his game each year. From 3-point shooting to facilitating to post moves, Kawhi's done it all and continues to do so when he's at full strength. Much like Kobe, Kawhi is able to find new ways to destroy the competition and do it with ease.
There's no denying that Leonard's overcome many hurdles to get to this point, but his hard work has paid off and in due time he'll be hoisting another championship trophy and NBA Finals MVP award.
The key to Leonard's success has been his relentless commitment to expanding and improving his game each season. As he inches closer to a return, be on the lookout for the Klaw to have some new tricks up his sleeve.
