Suns’ Devin Booker speaks out on social media criticism: ‘I’m not Kobe Bryant’ | Launderer’s report

[ad_1]

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has called on people to stop comparing him to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Speaking to the media after Phoenix’s 112-94 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Booker had the following to say about those on social media who measure him against Kobe:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

“I am not Kobe Bryant.”

D-Book Responds to Criticism of Raptors Mascot Appeal and Lack of Mamba Mentality pic.twitter.com/AnDZh2w8gx

“I really enjoy it and I’ve always loved social media. I check it every day and when they say good things about me, I don’t go too high, I don’t go too low. The only problem I ‘ai is people still compare me to Kobe Bryant when I told them during the playoffs, ‘Stop elevating the Mamba mentality.’ I’m inspired by Kobe Bryant and the Mamba mentality, but I don’t I don’t follow Kobe Bryant. And people here are screaming Mamba mentality from their mom’s house. I’ll leave you with that.”

In part, Booker was responding to criticism for complaining that the Toronto Raptors mascot distracted him during Phoenix’s win over Toronto on Tuesday and that some on social media took the opportunity to compare him to Bryant.

The 25-year-old exploded for 35 points on 11 of 25 shooting in Friday’s win over Indiana to go with four rebounds and three assists.

After helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals last season, the two-time All-Star has been excellent again in 2021-22, averaging 23.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists decisive and 2.7 three-pointers per game in 34 appearances, while also shooting 43.7% from the field and a career-best 40.9% from beyond the arc.

While Booker has displayed some qualities consistent with what Bryant has done over the course of his career, he still has a long way to go before he reaches Black Mamba level.

In 20 NBA seasons, all spent with the Lakers, Kobe was 18 times All-Star, five times NBA champion, twice NBA Finals MVP, twice scoring champion and once NBA MVP.

Bryant also ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 33,643 points.

Booker’s accolades simply don’t compare, but as a key member of a Suns team that leads the NBA with a 32-9 record, he has a shot at winning his first championship this season.

[ad_2]