What playing against Kobe Bryant in his final NBA season meant to Paul George, ‘It’s me and him tonight’

Paul George recalls what happened during his final game against Kobe Bryant

Knowing that Bryant was set to retire was monumental for players like George. They wanted to play against their idol for one final time. This meant even more for George since he grew up in Southern California as a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Bryant.

The younger star wanted to make the most out of his opportunity. He was the primary matchup against Kobe, so he made sure to defend him well, like prime Tony Allen. For most of the game, George kept Bryant quiet, but the Black Mamba could not be denied with his fourth-quarter performance.

“I wasn’t really the Paul George that came to himself yet. I was able to play Kobe; that moment, it was Kobe’s last year. So he was trying to get through that season, so he was sitting some games off,” George said on Podcast P.

“I’m in Indy, but I’m tracking. Kobe missed this game. Kobe missed that game. We get to Indiana, Kobe playing tonight. He was like, probable, and it was a blackout moment.”

“I knew it was my last chance to play against him. I got Kobe, don’t nobody match up with Kobe. It’s me and him tonight. I, for sure as hell, wanted to beat Kobe. What was crazy was like Kobe was off the whole game, but he had a stretch in the last three or four minutes, he didn’t miss a shot.”

Paul George always wants to honor Kobe Bryant

For the longest time, George has stayed connected with Bryant’s legacy. He wants to honor Bryant, which is why he chose #24 early in his career and #8 when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers.

George might not have had the best 2024-25 season, but he wants to keep pushing and improving. He wants to bounce back and prove he is still worthy of his four-year, $212 million contract. George still has a good reputation among his peers, including Patrick Beverley, who said George could be a vital piece for a contender.

While people like Draymond Green are criticizing George, he is on the path to redemption. The former Fresno State standout wants to keep standing out, and he wants to keep doing it in the #8 that Bryant made famous.