Lakers legend Kobe Bryant named the toughest player he ever had to guard

Kobe Bryant, one of the most iconic and relentless competitors in basketball history, built a legendary legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers through his unmatched work ethic, elite skillset, and championship pedigree. Over two decades in the NBA, the Black Mamba went head-to-head with the greatest players of his era—but there was one opponent who stood out above the rest.

In a 2018 interview, Bryant was asked who the toughest player to guard in the NBA was. Without hesitation, he named Kevin Durant. The answer carried weight—not only because of Bryant’s defensive IQ, but because he admitted Durant was one player he could never quite figure out.

“Kevin Durant—that was the one,” Bryant said. “I retired without really being able to figure out how to stop him”. Durant, who was with the Phoenix Suns at the time of the interview, was told about Bryant’s remarks. He responded with humility, expressing gratitude for the compliment coming from a player he admired deeply.

Bryant: “He was easy to guard—at first”

Bryant went on to explain that early in Durant’s career, things were different. The young forward, he said, had clear limitations in his offensive game. “When he first came into the league, he was easy to defend,” Bryant said. “He couldn’t go right and shoot. He couldn’t turn his left shoulder in the post. And he couldn’t finish at the rim with his left hand.”

Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives on Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on December 23, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

But Durant evolved rapidly. He refined every flaw, expanded his game, and became one of the most unstoppable offensive weapons in league history. Bryant, ever the competitor, respected that transformation—and acknowledged that even he couldn’t come up with a solution to slow KD down.

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Kobe Bryant vs Kevin Durant: a generational duel

The matchups between Bryant and Durant were more than just star-studded showdowns—they were battles between two of the most prolific scorers the league has ever seen. Durant, with his unguardable release and wingspan, and Kobe, with his surgical precision and Mamba Mentality, clashed throughout the early 2010s in duels that left lasting impressions.

Whenever they faced off, mutual respect was evident, but the competition was fierce. Bryant, in the twilight of his career, saw in Durant the future face of the league. Meanwhile, Durant was hungry to prove he could surpass one of his childhood idols.

Their 2012 Western Conference Semifinals series remains a defining moment. Durant led a young Oklahoma City Thunder squad past the Lakers, who still had a driven, dangerous Kobe. That series felt like a symbolic passing of the torch—Durant ascending, while Bryant remained the measuring stick for greatness.

More than stats: a legacy of respect

Beyond the box scores, their relationship was built on admiration and mentorship. Durant has publicly credited Bryant as one of his greatest influences, often reflecting on how much he learned just by watching him. On the court, every meeting between the two was a masterclass in scoring, defense, and competitive drive. For NBA fans, their battles were more than games—they were moments where the past collided with the future, creating unforgettable snapshots of greatness.