Kobe gifts Chris Paul a signed pair of Jordan 3s with an all-time compliment

Despite the fallout that came from being near-teammates in 2011, hallway rivals Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul have developed a close friendship over the years.

Following the Clippers' 91-81 win over the Lakers on Wednesday, Bryant gifted Paul a pair of purple-and-gold Jordan 3 PEs -- which Bryant wore when he was a sneaker free agent during the 2002-03 season -- and autographed them with quite the compliment.

"To my brother CP one of the greatest competitors of all time," Bryant wrote.

That has to mean the world to Paul coming from Bryant, who is widely considered one of the league's most competitive player not named Michael Jordan.

This isn't the first Bryant has given Paul a pair of shoes either. Back in 2007, Paul asked him for shoes for his charity, only to later admit he actually wanted the shoes for himself -- and kept them.

Paul and Bryant also shared a sweet moment with their families after the game, implying this friendship goes far beyond basketball:

Watch out, though, Chris Jr. Don't trust Kobe just yet.

Jovan Buha covers the NBA for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @jovanbuha.