“Only one person who made me fall in love,” James Harden picks Kobe Bryant as ‘Greatest of All Time’ in NBA history

James Harden defeated Kobe Bryant in the 2012 Western Conference Finals.

“Only one person who made me fall in love,” James Harden picks Kobe Bryant as ‘Greatest of All Time’ in NBA history

James Harden chose Kobe Bryant as his 'GOAT'

The debates about the greatest NBA players are always going around in the league as many fight for their favorites. However, it is slightly different when an NBA player himself talks about his GOAT and the reason behind his choice. Former MVP James Harden recently revealed that Kobe Bryant is his GOAT with a simple wholesome reason behind it.

Harden sat down with HoopsHype on Monday and talked about some of his stories. During the Q&A, the star was asked about his GOAT. Being from LA Harden chose Kobe Bryant as he grew up watching him and ended up falling in love with the sport.

I mean, there was only one person who made me love, I mean fall in love with the game, and that’s Kobe Bryant. Being from LA and being a Lakers fan watching him grow up and win several championships and his passion and love and what he did for the game of basketball, I think the world, you know, feels the same way, but that’s why I started playing basketball.
James Harden said.
YouTube video

Harden clarified that that his skillset is something he has acquired from himself but as far as loving the game, Bryant was the reason. The LA-born athlete stated that ‘it’s hit home’ for him when it comes to Bryant and that is the reason, the Black Mamba is his GOAT.

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‘The Beard’ went from watching Bryant win back-to-back championships in the 2000s to playing with him during his rookie year. Harden got many opportunities to play against Bryant and the duo even shared a brief on-court rivalry. However, it seems as if that was only limited for the game as Harden still chooses Bryant over any other legend in the league for his GOAT pick.

Kobe Bryant trash-talked James Harden during the 2012 WCF

Bryant was always famous for his tough mentality when it comes to basketball. The five-time champion never shied away from throwing hard words and talking trash to his opponents. As Bryant met with Harden and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the star gave the team a hard time.

Bryant as he was in search of another championship, talked trash to Harden late in the game of the Western Conference finals. After the game, the Lakers star showed his Mamba Mentality as he spoke about the incident.

Maybe one day they’ll be able to sit at my lunch table. But right now, we are at two different lunch tables.

Kobe Bryant said.
YouTube video

Bryant’s competitive actions were only limited to the basketball court as he praised Harden during an interview with ESPN. The star called Harden ‘remarkable’ as he stated that people were minimizing his achievements. It is safe to say that Harden’s ‘GOAT’ approved of him despite the on-court brawl.

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