Tony Parker Documentary Reveals Respect Between Parker, Kobe Bryant

When Kobe Bryant tragically passed away last year, many were stunned, and among those was Tony Parker who faced the late Black Mamba's Los Angeles Lakers in numerous playoff battles in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In his January 27, 2020 tweet, Parker said, "I'm heartbroken by the news. You were a true legend and a friend,"

As it turns out, there was more to Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker than just being competitors on the court. They respect each other as revealed on Netflix's Tony Parker: The Final Shot.

While the documentary centered around the basketball journey of Tony Parker who won four NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs, seeing the late Kobe Bryant speaking about Parker was considered by many as a delight especially for fans of the Lakers. "I'm Kobe Bryant and I played against Tony for years," That's how Bryant began his interview.

While Bryant won five NBA championships during his 20-year career with the Lakers, he was quick to admit: "He's (Parker) responsible for me not winning more championships," There's truth to this statement by Bryant as the Lakers needed to make it past the Spurs in the playoffs and in most occasions, the Spurs ended up being the roadblock as evident in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Later in the documentary, Bryant shared, "I've competed against people that I've tried to hate and dislike and I could never do it with Tony. Tony was just actually a nice guy but he's out there trying to kick your butt. But he's politely doing it," 

Kobe Bryant was known as a competitor who would try and get every advantage against his foes and the same thing happened against Tony Parker. He did that by trying to learn French. Having played with Ronnie Turiaf who went to the same school as Parker did, the 2008 Most Valuable Player (MVP) asked for tips. "Hey Ronny, you gotta teach me some things in French," 

He added, "Give me something so I can mess with Tony,"

In response to Bryant's antics by talking to him in French, Parker said, "I would look at him and give no reaction. But in my head, I found it hilarious that he'd taken the time to learn our language to try and knock me off my game," Parker concluded, "That was quite something,"

At the end of the documentary, the words "Dedicated to the memory of Kobe Bryant 1978-2020" were flashed in French.

Photo is from Silver Screen and Roll