Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe gives Paul George a pair of sneakers after final game vs. Pacers

Published Feb. 9, 2016 6:35 a.m. ET

Brett Pollakoff

Like many of today's younger NBA stars, Paul George remembers idolizing Kobe Bryant. He lived not far from Los Angeles in Palmdale, and grew up watching Bryant play in the prime of his career.

“Kobe was my Jordan,” George said earlier this season, via Indystar.com. “Watching him win championships, I remember being at home just watching the games with my mom, my grandma and my dad and just idolizing him. I’m not saying he’s better than Jordan, but to me growing up, that’s who I idolized.”

After scoring a game-high 21 points to lead his Pacers to victory over the Lakers in what was the final time he'll face Bryant on the court in a game that counts, George received a gift from his childhood hero that he'll undoubtedly cherish forever.

Many leave a mark on the game. @KobeBryant's leaving a legacy. #KOBE11 pic.twitter.com/PvbQE5MGeb
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) February 9, 2016