Giannis Antetokounmpo: “I have completed the Challenge that Kobe Durant has left for me” after winning the NBA Championship
NBA Champions Bucks: In 2017, already away from the NBA courts, the late Kobe Bryant had plenty of time to spend on social networks and one of his favorite exercises was to launch “challenges” to upcoming basketball stars. One of which targeted Giannis Antetokounmpo, recent champion with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Greek player was not one of the first chosen for the aforementioned challenges. So he was encouraged to write to him on social networks that he was waiting for his challenge , a publication that received a strong response from the Lakers legend: “MVP”.
My man….M.V.P. Greatness. 🙌🏾💪🏾 Next up: Championship. #MambaMentality https://t.co/dhZTFI1Aam
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) June 25, 2019
However, fulfilling it was very easy for Giannis , since he won that NBA award in the 2018-2019 season and repeated a year later so that there would be no doubt. Despite that personal success, something bigger was missing and that was the reason for a new test: the championship, something that he achieved in 2021.
Also Read: Bucks become NBA Champions 2021, Giannis creates history for Bucks
Kobe’s challenges, a great inspiration
Asked about these publications after winning the championship with Buck at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, Giannis admitted that he did not think to receive a response and pointed out that. It only part of an advertisement from Nike. Although with the passing of days, after the message he gave him. He was convinced that he could do it.
“At first, he was joking. I didn’t even think he was going to answer me. But when he did, he made me believe. I thought, ‘Does Kobe Bryant think I can do this? Can I play at the high level and lead my team and win the MVP? ‘”Antetokounmpo commented.
“I had to do it. I had to work hard. Not necessarily let him down. I had to work hard because people believed I could do it.”
