LA native Russell Westbrook shares his feelings on anniversary of Kobe Bryant's passing

As a Los Angeles, California, native, Russell Westbrook grew up idolizing and eventually matched up against Kobe Bryant. By the time he got to the NBA in 2008, Westbrook and Bryant were Western Conference rivals, matching up against each other regularly for LA Lakers-Oklahoma City Thunder showdowns.

Bryant and Westbrook were also All-Star teammates five times during their respective careers, suiting up to represent the Western Conference. The pair built a relationship during Bryant's final NBA seasons and Westbrook was immensely affected by Kobe's untimely passing in 2020.

On Sunday, the fifth anniversary of Bryant's passing, Westbrook paid his respects to the late Hall-of-Famer on his Instagram story.

"24. 8. Miss you bro," Westbrook posted on his Instagram story.

Image Credits: @russwest44 on Instagram

Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook faced each other 33 times in the NBA, with Westbrook's Thunder topping Bryant's Lakers in 18 of those contests. In the series, Bryant averaged 24.7 points, 4.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds over the 33 meetings. Westbrook averaged 22.6 ppg, 7.3 apg and 6.0 rpg.

---

Russell Westbrook shining as a starter in Denver

Looking to bounce back after a down year with the LA Clippers last season, Russell Westbrook shined with the Denver Nuggets during the offseason, teaming up with Nikola Jokic. Westbrook struggled to start the season as the veteran guard underperformed coming off the bench.

On Dec. 27, Westbrook was moved into the starting lineup full time and he hasn't looked back. As a starter, Westbrook is averaging 14.6 ppg, 7.3 apg and 6.3 rpg in 24 appearances in the starting lineup. Through 45 games, Westbrook has recorded three triple-doubles and is on pace to have the most in a season since 2021-22.

Adding Westbrook to the starting lineup has proved beneficial for Denver as the Nuggets have posted an 18-6 record with the 2016-17 MVP in the starting rotation. Westbrook is searching for his first ring with the Nuggets, helping Denver to a 28-17 record and the fourth seed in the Western Conference.