When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, there are few players who have made a bigger impact than Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba was a fierce competitor who led his team to five NBA championships during his career. His influence on the sport of basketball is undeniable, and many fans are curious about the players who had the chance to play with him. One such player is D'Angelo Russell, who was drafted by the Lakers in 2015. In this article, we'll explore whether or not Russell had the opportunity to play alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant.
The Draft
D'Angelo Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. This was an exciting time for Lakers fans, as the team was looking for a young player to help lead them to success in the post-Kobe era. Russell was seen as a promising prospect, with many experts predicting that he would become a star in the league.
At the time of the draft, Kobe Bryant was still an active player for the Lakers. He had just finished his 19th season with the team, and although he was starting to show signs of age, he was still a dominant force on the court. Many fans were excited at the prospect of seeing Bryant mentor a young player like Russell, passing down his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Lakers stars.
The 2015-2016 Season
During the 2015-2016 season, D'Angelo Russell had the opportunity to play with Kobe Bryant. This was an exciting time for both players, as Russell was eager to learn from one of the greatest of all time, while Bryant was looking to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.
Unfortunately, the season didn't go quite as planned for the Lakers. They struggled to find their footing, finishing the season with a record of 17-65. Bryant played in just 66 games, averaging 17.6 points per game. Russell, on the other hand, played in 80 games, averaging 13.2 points per game.
The Mentoring Relationship
Despite the team's struggles, D'Angelo Russell and Kobe Bryant developed a close relationship during the season. Bryant took Russell under his wing, mentoring him both on and off the court. Russell has spoken in interviews about how much he learned from Bryant, and how he was inspired by the Black Mamba's work ethic and dedication to the game.
Some of the lessons that Bryant taught Russell included the importance of preparation, the need to constantly challenge oneself, and the value of mental toughness. Russell has credited Bryant with helping him to become a better player, and has said that he will always be grateful for the time they spent together on the court.
The Legacy of Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He was a fierce competitor who inspired countless players with his work ethic, dedication, and love for the game. His legacy lives on today, both in the NBA and in the lives of the players he mentored.
D'Angelo Russell is just one example of a player who was inspired by Kobe Bryant. Although their time together on the court was brief, Bryant's influence on Russell was profound. Russell has said that he will always remember the lessons he learned from the Black Mamba, and that he will continue to work hard to make him proud.
The Future of the Lakers
As the Los Angeles Lakers look to the future, they will undoubtedly draw on the lessons that Kobe Bryant taught his mentees. D'Angelo Russell may no longer be with the team, but his time with the Lakers and with Bryant will always be remembered. As the team looks to build a new era of success, they will undoubtedly draw on the legacy of one of the greatest Lakers of all time.
The Verdict
So, did D'Angelo Russell play with Kobe Bryant? The answer is yes. Although their time together on the court was brief, Bryant's influence on Russell was profound. Russell was able to learn from one of the greatest of all time, and their relationship will always be remembered as one of the highlights of Russell's career.
Closing Thoughts
Kobe Bryant was a legend of the game, and his influence on the sport of basketball will be felt for generations to come. D'Angelo Russell was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play with Bryant, and their relationship was a testament to the power of mentorship and hard work. As we look to the future of the Los Angeles Lakers, we can be sure that Bryant's legacy will continue to inspire players and fans alike.
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