Victor Wembanyama took inspiration from Kobe Bryant & was shocked by his death: "I often wonder what Kobe would have done"

The tragic death of Kobe Bryant on Jan. 26, 2020, brought the basketball world together more than ever. Bryant, who's widely respected as one of the top 10 players who have ever played in the NBA, continues to be an inspiration for many.

Future NBA draft pick Vector Wembanyama noted that he was a big fan of Bryant. Kobe is typically talked about when players talk about their idols. Wembanyama, just like many others, said Kobe is someone he thinks about daily.

“I think about him almost every day since his death,” Wembanyama said, as translated by Eurohoops. “His disappearance shocked me. I admire his spirit, work ethic and game philosophy. … Following his example every day, I try to push my limits.

"When I suffer, when I have doubts, I often wonder what Kobe would have done. And I know I would have done more.”

The quote Victor Wembanyama gave us is awesome for a few different reasons. Hearing future NBA players speak about Kobe is great to see because they grew up watching him. He was someone who many players wanted to be one day. Wembanyama has a chance to be that guy for others to look up to in the future.

Metropolitans 92 vs. G League Ignite

Victor Wembanyama chance to be a Lakers

Unfortunately for Lakers fans, Wembanyama won't have a chance of being drafted by Los Angeles next year. Since they traded for Anthony Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans control the Lakers' first pick in the 2023 draft.

Although the Lakers won an NBA title in 2020, many believe that their 2019 trade for Davis might go down as one of the worst the franchise has ever made. Missing out on Wembanyama is going to hurt the fan base, but at least they got a title out of it.

Despite the fact that Wembanyama won't be drafted by the Lakers next season, current Lakers star LeBron James has praised his talent.

“Everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years. But he’s more like an alien,” James said. “No one has ever seen anyone as tall as he is, but as fluid and as graceful as he is on the floor.

“His ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers out of the post, step-back threes, catch-and-shoot threes, block shots. He’s, for sure, a generational talent and, hopefully, he continues to stay healthy. That is the most important (consideration) for him personally. He is a big-time player. Scoot (Henderson) is a big-time player as well.”

Perhaps Victor Wembanyama can have the same mindset as Kobe Bryant and end up having an all-time great career just like his idol. His NBA career is still many months away, but the league and its fans are ready to see one of the best prospects in NBA history.

Let's see how he fares, but things are looking bright as he's expected to be a top-end talent the moment he enters the league next season.