Luka Doncic spoke fondly of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant as he was unveiled as a Los Angeles Laker at a press conference on Tuesday (February 4).
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"It was an amazing moment. Just for Kobe to know my name was amazing," the 25-year-old Slovenian said, reminiscing about his first meeting with Bryant in 2019 after a Mavericks - Lakers game at the Staples Centre, when the 2008 NBA MVP had jokingly trash-talked Doncic in foul-mouthed Slovenian from his courtside seat.
"I just wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment," Doncic added.
Bryant, a five-time NBA Champion with the Lakers, died in a helicopter accident together with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, nicknamed Gigi, in 2020.
The Lakers completed a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, acquiring Doncic, a five-time NBA All-Star guard, along with forward Maxi Kleber and centre Markieff Morris in exchange for their 2020 NBA title-winning forward Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a future first-round draft pick.
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(Production: Jorge Garcia, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)