Since his NBA debut in 1996, Kobe Bryant consistently showcased his extraordinary talent, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five league championships. Though he won only one MVP award, Bryant profoundly transformed the culture and dominated the court. Throughout his illustrious career, one opponent consistently presented a formidable challenge. Even, Bryant named him as the toughest defender he faced, a testament that left many fans surprised.
In a 2018 appearance with BodyArmor, NBA legend Kobe Bryant praised Tony Allen as the toughest defender he faced. “He was the only one that wasn’t crying for help, he was never crying for help, saying, ‘Hey, help down here, I need help, double, double’. Tony Allen would play you straight up, I could score 10 straight on him, and he’s not blinking. He’s still there, he’s still playing defense, he’s still being physical, he’s not backing down.”
In NBA history, few rivalries match the intensity of the Lakers and Celtics. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant faced Tony Allen in several memorable NBA Finals matchups. The most notable occurred in 2008 when the Lakers fell to the Celtics. However, the Lakers avenged this loss in 2010, reclaiming their glory. Kobe’s recognition of Tony’s skills highlights his status as a top defender in league history.
Defensive players often lack recognition, as their crucial contributions do not always show in statistics. Tony Allen exemplifies this reality. Throughout his career, he played 820 games and averaged 8.1 points. Yet, his impact stretched far beyond scoring. His dedication and defensive prowess earned him six All-Defensive Team honors.
Tony Allen #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2010 NBA Finals
Tony Allen was nearly in tears after receiving an impressive gift from Kobe Bryant
During the 2015–16 season, 34-year-old Tony Allen showed relentless tenacity with the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished eighth in Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) voting. He also earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Team. However, he could not face the Los Angeles Lakers on February 25, 2016, due to injury. Although he missed the game, Kobe Bryant still had a thoughtful surprise waiting for him.
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Tony had asked Kobe for a jersey a few weeks before the matchup but received nothing. Consequently, he thought the Lakers legend had forgotten it. Instead, Tony encountered an even better surprise. A Lakers ball boy approached him with the ‘white Nike Kobe 11.’ The shoes bore an inscription: “To Tony, the best defender I faced.”
The Grizzlies veteran confessed he had to keep his composure at the stunning surprise. “I damn near teared up. I had to fight it. It meant everything. Because I would wake up in the morning thinking about guarding Kobe. I dreamed about guarding Kobe. I would never stop thinking about guarding him. And this was him showing respect. I couldn’t believe it,” Tony Allen said, as reported by Bleacher Report.
