Lakers Legend Reacts to Steph Curry Making NBA History

Steph Curry, the point guard for the Golden State Warriors, recently made a historic achievement that has sent ripples through the basketball world. With his exceptional shooting abilities, incredible work ethic, and game-changing presence on the court, Curry has long been a transformative player in the NBA. His new milestone—surpassing the 3,000 career three-pointers mark—has cemented his place as one of the greatest players in basketball history. But how does a Lakers legend feel about this monumental achievement? In this article, we’ll delve into the reaction of one of the greatest figures in NBA history, a Lakers legend, to Curry’s historic moment.

Steph Curry’s Historic Feat

Steph Curry has become synonymous with the three-point shot. It’s no exaggeration to say that Curry’s influence on the game has revolutionized the way basketball is played. Over the past decade, his shooting range has stretched far beyond what anyone could have anticipated, and he has consistently shattered records with each passing season.

The most recent of these achievements came when Curry became the first player in NBA history to surpass 3,000 career three-pointers, a feat that highlights not only his shooting precision but also his longevity and consistency in the league. Curry’s career three-point shooting percentage is unparalleled, as he has maintained an extraordinary level of efficiency throughout his career. This milestone is more than just a number—it speaks to his legacy as one of the most transformational figures in the sport.

The moment Curry hit that 3,000th three-pointer, the crowd erupted in applause, and players from around the league took to social media to acknowledge his achievement. It’s not just the quantity of his three-pointers that makes this accomplishment so remarkable, but the fact that Curry’s shooting ability has changed the strategic makeup of teams across the NBA. With each game, his style of play has pushed coaches to rethink their offensive strategies, and players to extend their shooting range.

A Lakers Legend’s Perspective

The Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, have always had legendary players who defined the game. From Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers have been home to some of the league’s most iconic figures. Among those legends, Kobe Bryant stands out as one of the most influential and respected players in basketball history. As a close competitor and fierce rival to Curry’s Warriors, Kobe’s perspective on the Golden State star’s latest milestone holds significant weight.

Kobe Bryant, who retired from the NBA in 2016, was known for his competitive spirit, unmatched work ethic, and commitment to the game. His intense approach to basketball was evident in every aspect of his game, from his footwork to his shooting mechanics. Kobe was also known for being highly analytical, always studying his opponents and learning from their strengths and weaknesses. He was, in essence, a student of the game who respected excellence when he saw it—whether it was from a teammate, a peer, or even an opponent.

Bryant’s reaction to Curry’s historic achievement came as no surprise. In the days following Curry’s milestone, Kobe took to social media to acknowledge the greatness of Curry’s career. His post, though brief, was profound in its simplicity: “Congrats, Steph. You’ve changed the game. Respect.”

This simple yet powerful statement was reflective of Bryant’s respect for Curry’s accomplishments. Kobe, who had been known for his rivalry with the Warriors and their star point guard, understood the significance of Curry’s influence on the game. To be a true legend in the NBA is not just about personal accolades; it’s about the impact a player has on the sport as a whole. Curry has done just that.

For Bryant, seeing Curry make history was not a moment of jealousy or resentment but one of respect and admiration. Both players, in their own right, have shaped the NBA in profound ways, and while their playing styles were different, their shared competitive fire and dedication to their craft are what connect them.

The Rivalry Between Kobe and Steph

For many years, the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors has been one of the most exciting and heated in the NBA. The Warriors’ dominance in the latter part of the 2010s, led by Curry, clashed with the Lakers’ own attempts to remain at the top, especially in the post-Kobe era. Curry’s success, particularly in leading the Warriors to multiple championships, marked a new era of dominance in the NBA. On the other hand, Bryant’s Lakers were in a transition period after the Black Mamba’s retirement in 2016.

Throughout the years, Bryant and Curry had many memorable battles on the court. While they didn’t often meet in the postseason, their regular-season matchups were electric. Curry, with his unmatched shooting ability, and Bryant, with his relentless scoring and fierce mentality, were the focal points of their respective teams. The Warriors and Lakers had different styles—Curry’s Warriors were fast-paced, three-point focused, and perimeter-oriented, while Kobe’s Lakers were often more methodical and relied on post-play and mid-range shots. Yet, both were undeniably successful in their own ways.

One of the most defining moments of this rivalry came in the 2015-2016 season. That year, Curry led the Warriors to an NBA-record 73 wins, surpassing the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls’ 72-win mark. However, in that same season, Bryant’s Lakers, in what would ultimately be his final season, faced off against the Warriors multiple times, providing a sense of nostalgia and tension. While the Warriors dominated in the win column, the games were never without drama, as Curry and Bryant’s respective legacies continued to unfold.

What was particularly remarkable about their rivalry was the mutual respect they had for one another. Curry, despite being a rival, often spoke about Bryant’s influence on him as a player. As a young player in the NBA, Curry admired Bryant’s work ethic and the way he carried himself on and off the court. In return, Bryant often praised Curry for his skill set, particularly his shooting ability, which he described as something the league had never seen before.

Now that Bryant is no longer around to compete with Curry, his respect for the Warriors star is even more apparent. Curry’s 3,000th three-pointer is a milestone that transcends any rivalry—they are both icons in their own right, with legacies that will be remembered for decades to come.

The Legacy of Curry’s Influence

Steph Curry’s ability to change the game is undeniable. His three-point shooting has become a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success and has influenced the entire NBA. Gone are the days when players were strictly trained to focus on mid-range shots or post-ups. Today, nearly every team in the league emphasizes the importance of the three-pointer, and much of that shift can be traced directly back to Curry’s success.

But Curry’s influence extends beyond just the three-point line. He has altered the way coaches approach offense, encouraging faster ball movement, more spacing, and a greater emphasis on shooting efficiency. Players like Curry and Klay Thompson have shifted the culture of the game, opening up new possibilities for teams that once would have relied on traditional big men and post-ups.

Bryant, who was known for his mid-range game and ability to dominate in the post, was a witness to this change. While he didn’t rely on the three-point shot in the way Curry does, Bryant recognized the importance of adapting to the modern game. His admiration for Curry’s game came from a place of understanding that the future of basketball was changing, and Curry was leading the way.

For Lakers fans, the appreciation of Curry’s game is not just about his incredible skill set but also about his ability to stay true to himself and evolve as a player. Curry has faced criticism in the past for being “undersized” or “too flashy,” but he has silenced those doubters time and again. His rise to greatness is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. And while Kobe may have had a different style, his understanding of what it takes to become a true legend in the game is something he shared with Curry.

The reaction of a Lakers legend like Kobe Bryant to Steph Curry’s historic 3,000th three-pointer is not just one of acknowledgment—it’s a recognition of the transformative impact Curry has had on the game of basketball. While their rivalry may have been fierce, Bryant’s respect for Curry’s greatness is a reminder that true legends not only compete but also elevate the game in ways that inspire future generations.

Steph Curry’s 3,000th three-pointer is more than just a statistical achievement; it is a reflection of the evolution of the game, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant milestones in NBA history. For Lakers fans, this moment is not just about Curry’s success; it is a recognition that the game of basketball is continually changing, and that change is something to be embraced and celebrated.