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Garnett: Kobe's death pushed me to reconcile with Ray Allen

Brian Babineau / National Basketball Association / Getty

Kevin Garnett held a grudge against his former Boston Celtics teammate Ray Allen for years over the latter's decision to join the Miami Heat as a free agent in 2012, but he says his mindset changed following the death of Kobe Bryant.

While appearing on "Cold as Balls" with Kevin Hart, Garnett explained how Bryant's passing in January 2020 inspired him to put his feud with Allen behind him.

"The passing of (Bryant) and all of us getting older helped me understand that life is not given to none of us," Garnett said.

"It would have f----d with me if something were to happen to Ray and I didn't get a chance to amend this. 'I was competitive when we was competitive, and you know what? I'm glad you're here. It's good to see you.' I got off what I was on. I got off the bullshit."

Garnett and Allen were both on hand for the celebration of the NBA's 75th Anniversary team in 2022, and while one viral clip left many thinking there was still animosity between the two, that wasn't the case.

"It was actually natural just to see him there, in great health," Garnett said. "I seen little Ray, I seen all his family. They were all bigger, older, doing new things. So, it was dope to see that, and that's what my focus was."

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