I'm much more starstruck by athletes than I am by actors, and I think I saw Kobe Bryant at a basketball party, and I just kind of froze. He's monstrous.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I'm not like the next Michael Jordan, but I'm also not what everyone saw me as before I started playing in the NBA, either.
The best quality about Kobe Bryant? You want me to be honest? I don't know. I'll tell you why. I open my arms to everybody. But he never stepped forward for the embrace. So I never really got to know him. I don't know anything about him, and it's kinda sad.
Part of the reason why Kobe Bryant is such a big inspiration to me is because he was shipped off to the Lakers right out of high school. He went from English class to the Great Western Forum.
When I was young, I was obsessed with Michael Jordan and the Bulls. He's the only person I get starstruck over. I don't know what I'd do if I met him - I'd be in shock! That's my dream.
I'm a ballplayer, not an actor.
I have nothing but respect for the Lakers. So many of their legends shaped who I am as a person and player.
Actors geek out over athletes. Everyone knows that.
I always wanted to play with Kobe Bryant. I used to tease him all the time. Every time I was a free agent, I was like, 'What's up, bro? You got a chance to get the pit that you need. You feel me? This is your chance.'
Being Michael Jordan means acting the same as I always have.
As an athlete, I was never really comfortable with being a celebrity.