“I should never be compared to Kobe Bryant”: Devin Booker deflects Stephen A Smith’s comparisons linking the Suns star to the late Lakers legend

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker reacts to him being compared to the late Kobe Bryant on the show The Jump on ESPN.

Booker is turning out to be a superstar in the making. The 24-year old in only his first post-season appearance has clinched a berth in the NBA Finals.

The 2x NBA All-Star has been averaging 27.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 4.5 APG on a 45.1% shooting from the field and 90.3% shooting from the free-throw line in the current playoffs.

The Suns’ star became one of the few players in Finals history to have back-to-back 40-point games. Booker is averaging an impressive 30 PPG so far in the NBA Finals.

Booker’s style of play is often compared to that of legend Kobe Bryant, who Booker always considered his idol and mentor. Both the 6’6″ guards are elite shooters.

Recently, television personality and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith called Booker the next Kobe Bryant, which had veteran point guard and Lakers legend Magic Johnson agree to it as well.

Also read: “Dumb-a** question”: Bradley Beal’s honest opinion about question posed to Devin Booker and Chris Paul after NBA Finals Game 5

However, when asked about this comparison, the Suns’ star felt he should never be compared to the Black Mamba.

Devin Booker states that he should never be compared to Kobe Bryant

The 24-year old’s shooting and persona on court bear a lot of resemblance to the late Kobe Bryant. Booker himself embodies the mamba mentality.

Booker, has on various occasions, spoken about the influence that Kobe has had on his career. The former 3-point contest champion never forgets to mention the Lakers legend whenever he has a special game.

Booker is the only player to get the closest to Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game. The Suns’ star dropped  70-points at the TD Garden against the Boston Celtics, 11-years after Kobe has had his 81-points game.

During Booker’s rookie season, Kobe had some words of wisdom which he wrote on the 24-year old’s shoes that said “Be legendary.” The Suns’ star even has a tattoo of the same on his hand.

Booker’s exceptional performances in the playoffs have led to many analysts and Pundits calling him the next Kobe Bryant.

When asked about the above, Booker had the following to say,

“I should never be compared to Kobe Bryant.”

– Devin Booker on the Kobe comparisons

(via @ESPNNBA)

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— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 19, 2021

Also read: “Devin Booker had the ball stolen from him in the biggest moment of his career”: NBA fans react to the irony behind the Suns superstar losing to Giannis and the Bucks in Game 5

There is no doubt that Booker is one of the most talented players in the league with the potential of being a future superstar.

However, his comparisons to Kobe Bryant seem slightly premature. The Lakers legend has a body of work behind him and is also considered one of the greatest of all time. Booker, on the other hand, has just made his first career postseason appearance.