Ahead of Kobe Bryant's jersey retirement with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, Golden State Warriors star forward Kevin Durant had much time to reflect on his interactions with the future Hall of Famer.

Following Saturday's practice, Durant divulged that he had dinner with Bryant where they discussed many things concerning the NBA and life after his playing days. It was a deep and thorough conversation where the 29-year-old stated that he took away a strong message from the sit-down, according to Melissa Rohlin of Bay Area News Group.

“Always learn and grow. Always be a sponge and be curious. Whether it’s about the game, off the court, on the court, just be curious and always grow. Always want to grow as a man, as a person, as a player. It’s pretty easy to see that when you’re meeting Kobe.”

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) reacts after a made basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Toyota Center.
Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. secures $122 million contract extensionRichard Pereira ·
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has some newcomers via the 2025 NBA Draft class.
LA Clippers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) signals to teammates during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Bobby Marks details why Lakers’ LeBron James trade to Cavs won’t be easyRichard Pereira ·
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) during NBA Finals Media Day at Paycom Center.
Pacers make contract decision on surprise playoff contributorAbdullah Imran ·
Featured image Elfrid Payton
Pelicans declining team option on assists-per-minute leaderDylan Fine ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Rockets emerge as serious Dorian Finney-Smith suitorLorenzo J Reyna ·
 In the latter part of his career, Kobe Bryant had become more of an open book with his knowledge and experience on and off the court with other players in the league. Kevin Durant was one of those key players that levitated toward him for advice or guidance.
In the last couple of years, the Warriors star has certainly taken that to heart as he has made investments off the court in companies to ensure his financial stability away from the game and after his playing days. Meanwhile, he has continued to play at a high level that saw him earn his first NBA title after leading the Warriors that resulted in an NBA Finals MVP award.
With Kobe Bryant's guidance, Kevin Durant will likely head into the second chapter of his career more prepared for what lies ahead both on and off the court.