Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers earns Kobe Bryant comparison by analyst

Originally posted on Dallas Wings on SI | By Zain Bando | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 4:18 PM ET

Dallas Wings soon-to-be second-year guard Paige Bueckers has idolized NBA legend Kobe Bryant throughout her playing career thus far, doing her best to emulate the ex-Los Angeles Lakers icon's game night in and night out.

Bueckers took to social media to honor Bryant's legacy earlier this season, sending a heartfelt message about how much his influence has made her who she is today.

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"As a young kid I aspired to be like you. I watched you play with no fear or remorse and it inspired me. You did so much for the women’s game and you truly cared. I play for you Kobe," Bueckers wrote at the time.

Whether Bueckers can reach Bryant levels of stardom remains to be seen, but what is clear is she has yet to forget how special Bryant truly was.

""I love Kobe's," Bueckers said via Champside. "I love Kobe."

Despite Bueckers' Wings falling short of expectations, her accolades were impressive enough for a WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, following in the footsteps of those who came before her.

This article first appeared on Dallas Wings on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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