VIDEO: Durant, Kobe exchange shoes postgame
Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's 120-85 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, two of the greatest players of the last 20 years exchanged gifts in a sign of mutual respect.
Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant swapped shoes after the game, with the former signing "To KD: Be the greatest" on his set of Nikes.
While Bryant was very forthcoming about the incident, Durant was more hesitant, out of fear that he might be seen as weak for the move.
"Yeah, don’t tell nobody though, man," Durant said, according to Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. "I don’t want to be looked at as a softie."
However, the 6-foot-9 small forward didn't shy away from praising the retiring Lakers legend, claiming that he loves playing against Bryant because he's so talented.
(Courtesy: Lakersnation.com)
"I was looking forward to it," Durant said. "When he didn’t play last time I was a little upset because I wanted to go out there and guard him. Great players elevate your game, elevate the team, and he’s one of those guys."
The 37-year-old Bryant has achieved countless accolades throughout his career, winning fives titles, the 2008 MVP award, and being named to the All-Star team 17 times.
Durant has been no slouch at earning hardware himself despite being just 27, having won four scoring titles, Rookie of the Year, and the 2014 MVP award over his continuing career.
The Lakers and Thunder will face off two more times this season.