As Kobe Bryant rose to prominence, embarking on his journey to becoming one of the most exceptional basketball players in history with the Los Angeles Lakers, numerous young children in Southern California were observing him and finding inspiration. Among those who succeeded in reaching the league was undoubtedly James Harden.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Harden distinguished himself at Artesia High School and Arizona State University while Kobe was solidifying his status as the benchmark in the NBA. Witnessing Kobe’s championship victories with the Lakers and witnessing his extraordinary performances motivated Harden to pursue his own aspirations.

In a recent interview with Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype, the L.A. Clippers guard reflected on this, acknowledging Kobe Bryant as the sole individual who ignited his passion for basketball:

“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. The skill set and things that I’ve learned, I kind of picked up on my own, but as far as falling in love with the game, it’s definitely been Kobe.”

Harden went on to emphasize Kobe’s profound impact on the city and the sport of basketball in general, stating that the Lakers legend had a unique effect on him:

“Yeah, I just grew up watching him and what he did for the city of LA basketball in general. You know, I mean it’s just for me; it’s hit home, and yeah, definitely Kobe.”

The influence Bryant wielded on the region and countless young athletes who would later become NBA stars cannot be overstated. Players like Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, and many others were inspired by Kobe’s dominance with the Lakers, much like Harden was.

Kobe Bryant was undeniably a once-in-a-generation talent and one of the greatest to ever grace the sport, and his legacy endures through Harden and numerous others who were inspired by his achievements.