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A tale of two Mambas: Spurs' Bonner grateful to Kobe for boost in popularity

Danny Moloshok / REUTERS

Kobe Bryant has undoubtedly had an impact on the lives of countless basketball hopefuls throughout the years. But for one NBA role player in particular, Bryant's influence led to an increase in popularity and subsequent prosperity.

San Antonio Spurs big man Matt Bonner - whom "The Black Mamba" anointed "The Red Mamba" via social media in 2013 - knows he owes the Los Angeles Lakers legend a sizable thank you - or a firm handshake, at the very least.

"In a weird, random sort of way I will have a bond with him forever because he gave me that nickname," Bonner told CBS Sports before his Spurs faced the Lakers on Friday. "It caught on and it stuck. I will always be grateful for that."

Bryant responded to a Twitter question almost three years ago, recalling Bonner's presence in the 2006 epic in which then-No. 8 exploded for 81 points against the Toronto Raptors.

Bonner - then a sophomore for the Raps - witnessed Bryant's iconic performance first-hand as his team was rendered helpless against the original Mamba's attack.

But for Bryant to highlight Bonner's involvement in the game and, more importantly, to bestow the "Red Mamba" moniker upon the young Florida product, it was the start of something big for the now-35-year-old veteran.

"I wonder does he even remember ... is he even aware?" Bonner said.

"He's so great and famous, that he may not even know how big it was for me. He might not even remember tweeting it. But for me and for everyone in my lowly circles, it was a big deal."

The legend of the "Red Mamba" grew over the ensuing years - a wave of popularity Bonner was able to leverage into business opportunities.

T-shirt sales, a new DJ persona, a video series in which he interviewed rappers, and even his very own fizzy drink line.

If Bonner didn't already thank Bryant on Friday, he will have ample opportunities to do so later this season, as the Spurs and Lakers play each other twice more - on Jan. 22 and Feb. 6.

Perhaps a "Red Mamba" care package is in order for the retiring Laker great.

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