Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain said his earliest recollection of the NBA revolves around watching Kobe Bryant during the 2011 postseason, a moment that ignited his passion for basketball.
Speaking after the Thunder’s 118-112 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on May 22, 2026, at Frost Bank Center, the 22-year-old described walking into his parents’ bedroom at age seven and seeing his father and brother glued to a Los Angeles Lakers playoff game.
“I remember walking in there and seeing Kobe. He’s been my favorite player since I started playing,” McCain said. “I gravitated toward him and his mentality, and that was my earliest memory.”
Key role off the bench
Acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at this season’s trade deadline, McCain has become a pivotal reserve for the defending champions. After Oklahoma City fell behind 15-0 to open Game 3, head coach Mark Daigneault turned to his bench. McCain, alongside Alex Caruso, helped reverse the momentum, logging 27 minutes, 24 points and four rebounds while shooting 10-for-21.
The performance continued a trend of fearless playoff outings for the California native, drawing comparisons to Bryant’s early postseason heroics for the Lakers during their 2000-02 title run.
Bryant remains study material for prospects
Kobe Bryant’s influence stretches beyond current NBA players. Top draft hopeful Caleb Wilson recently cited Bryant as a frequent subject of his film study, underscoring the late legend’s ongoing impact on the next generation.
Source: LakersNation.com
