While some may know how much of a hero Kobe Bryant is in the eyes of Philadelphia 76ers standout Joel Embiid, perhaps only a select few understand how big a role Bryant played in shaping the Sixers superstar.
Embiid reminisced on his most significant encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers legend in his own personal piece on The Players' Tribune. The most memorable conversation took place after Kobe's final game in his home town of Philadelphia against the Sixers.
“The most surreal moment was when Kobe was retiring, and he played his last game in Philly. After the game, they set up a little room for us to talk for a minute. He walked in, and I shook his hand and I told him, “Man, I know you probably hear this a lot, but I literally started playing basketball because of you seven years ago. Whenever I’d be shooting the ball at the park, I’d be yelling out, ‘KOBEEEEEE!’”
According to Joel Embiid, who was unable to take the court that season due to injury, the Black Mamba's response was straightforward and almost mundane. Nonetheless, it meant the world to Embiid.
“He laughed and we talked for a minute, and then before he left he said the most Kobe thing. To most people, it wouldn’t mean anything. But to me, it was surreal. It was like I was in a video game or something.”
“He said, in the most Kobe way, ‘O.K., young fella. Keep working. Keep working.'”
Embiid seemed to have taken Kobe's advice to heart, as his recent development is testament to his hard work and perseverance. Kobe Byrant appeared to have bestowed the Mamba Mentality upon Embiid on that day, and it is something the 24-year-old will cherish for a lifetime.
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