While many believe the GOAT debate ends with Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden gives that title to another legend.
Harden was asked by Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype about his personal GOAT, and he bestowed the honor to the late Kobe Bryant.
“I mean, there was only one person who made me love, I mean fall in love with the game, and that’s Kobe Bryant,” Harden said. “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.”
Of course, the GOAT debate has evolved in recent years. Charlotte Hornets rookie forward Brandon Miller shocked many last year when he named Harden’s teammate Paul George as his personal GOAT, but it illustrated how different stars can impact young players.
Harden reiterated that being a Los Angeles native created his affinity for Bryant.
“Yeah, I just grew up watching him and what he did for the city of LA basketball in general,” he said “You know, I mean it’s just for me; it’s hit home, and yeah, definitely Kobe.”
Harden watched Bryant help lead the Lakers to three straight NBA championships in the early 2000s. When he entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden got the chance to compete against his idol as Bryant and the Lakers defeated the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs on his way to winning his fifth championship ring that season.
Harden and Bryant went on to continue battling when Harden moved on to the Houston Rockets and established himself as a No. 1 option. In total, Harden owns a 17-13 record in games against Bryant.
Harden is set to be a free agent this summer, so it remains to be seen if he will choose to stay with the Clippers and try to emulate Bryant by bringing a title to Los Angeles.