James Harden Picks Kobe Bryant As His GOAT, Says He Wants To Be Remembered As A ‘Winner’

During an interview with NBA reporter Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype, Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden said Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is his “GOAT.”

“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.”

Harden was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He grew up watching Bryant dominate the NBA with the Lakers. 

“Yeah, I just grew up watching him and what he did for the city of LA basketball in general,” Harden said. “You know, I mean it’s just for me; it’s hit home, and yeah, definitely Kobe.”

Bryant won five championships and two Finals MVPs during his legendary career. He tragically passed away in January 2020 in a helicopter crash.

Bryant is fourth in NBA history in points (33,643).

Harden, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, told BasketNews he wants to be remembered as a “winner.” The Beard has never won a title, but he does have a record of 697-375 in the regular season. 

“That I was a winner, that I was a teacher,” Harden said. “That I had a different love for the game. I mean like, put the money aside, I really enjoy and love the game of basketball and playing it. Whether it’s being with the kids here or when I travel (to) other places in Europe, when I go to China, I just want people to understand how much I really love and enjoy the game of basketball.”

Harden won the 2017-18 MVP Award. He’s also a three-time scoring champion and a two-time assists champion.