“Kobe Bryant Was With Me”: Dubbed the ‘Left-Handed Kobe,’ Jordan’s Number 24 Paid Ultimate Homage to Lakers Legend After FIBA World Cup Game

The former 1st Round Pick Rondae Hollis-Jefferson stole the show at the FIBA 2023 World Cup. During a group stage match between Jordan and Greece, Jefferson’s playing style and appearance drew comparisons to the legendary Kobe Bryant, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. He looked like a left-handed Bryant, wearing No.24, the same as Kobe, and the same forearm band. In a video posted by FIBA, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson stole the show with a game-high 39 points, scoring baskets and putting in thunderous dunks just like No.24 Kobe Bryant.

However, being like Kobe comes with its own set of difficulties and struggles. He had a reputation for his relentless work ethic and competitive nature on the court, which drew comparisons of Kobe with the great Michael Jordan. In his own words, “It is in those times when you get up early, and you work hard, those times you stay up late and you work hard—those times when you don’t feel like working. You’re too tired. You don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway.” 

Many athletes talk about emulating his work ethic but have not fully established it, as they now do not have the blend of passion, discipline, and long hours of training Kobe had during his playing days.

Rondae Hollis Mamba?

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been out of the league for two years and represents Jordan at the FIBA World Cup. Jefferson’s gameplay was so impressive against Greece that he reminded many fans of a left-handed Kobe Bryant, and it made sense as he wore the same jersey number.

His shooting strokes looked strikingly similar to that of Kobe Bryant – but just a mirror image of him. Jefferson’s body language, hairstyle, midrange game, and standing at 6’6 is as identical to Mamba’s. Here’s a video of Jefferson hitting a three-pointer to send it to overtime.

Talking about fans calling him for being so similar to Kobe, in a conversation post-game, Hollis-Jefferson paid his homage to the late Superstar,

“It’s an honor for people to say that , but at the end of the day, Kobe is Kobe, and I’m Rondae. I definitely watch a lot of film  [and we have] similar size and athletic abilities,” he said.

“It’s an honor. There was only one Kobe, but to feel that love & that energy coming down the stretch, hitting those big shots, God was with me & Kobe was with me, for sure.”

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on the Kobe Bryant comparisons.

(via @BasketNews_com)pic.twitter.com/ah1f9oDlLw

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 28, 2023

Hollis-Jefferson even received “Kobe, Kobe” chants from the crowd in the stadium. However, it was all thanks to the Mamba himself, who gave lifetime advice to the Jordan forward.

“Fall in love with the elbow”: Kobe’s advice to Jefferson

A lot of NBA Superstars trained with Kobe in the offseason to improve on the game and the approach towards the game, both at defensive and offensive ends. Players like Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, etc., used to approach Kobe for advice over improvements in their game. Similarly, Hollis shared an interaction with the late Kobe, where he asked Jeff to improve on his jump shot.

“He told me one day, 2016 I believe, I was able to give him the farewell gift, and I was just like: ‘Hey, do you have any advice for me?’ He told me to fall in love with the elbow and ever since then, I’ve been working on my midrange and get better.”

Looking at the level Jefferson has been on the international stage at the FIBA World Cup, it seems like Hollis-Jefferson has finally taken Kobe’s advice to heart and improved in his game.