Jamal Crawford describes the ‘Kobe Bryant effect’ during NBA games, believes his ‘Mamba mentality’ distinguished him from all other players: “Kobe was just, he was from another planet”

Kobe Bryant is one of the few NBA players who has left a mark on the league. Jamal Crawford named Bryant as the best player he ever played against, and is still astonished by the 'Mamba mentality.'

The LA Lakers legend spent all his playing years with the Lakers and delivered five championships. Although there was a tension-filled period with the franchise, they resolved their issues and went on to achieve more success.

On "The Steam Room," with Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley, Crawford was asked about the best player he played against. Without much thought, he chose Bryant:

"The best player I ever played against was Kobe. ... Kobe was just, he was from another planet. His mentality, he could go 0 for 10 and didn't deter him to take the game-winning shot. He left it all on the court, he played with his heart.

"And you guys know, when he was in those arenas, he put a certain fear in you and made your fans his fans. He would do something special and incredible, and he just wasn't scared to fail. So, I love Kobe Bryant for being the best player I played against.

(From 20:45)

Crawford played against Bryant and also against LeBron James. Despite the GOAT debate being between Michael Jordan and James, Crawford chose 'Black Mamba' as the best player he ever played against.

Times when Kobe Bryant showed his ‘Mamba Mentality’

Bryant’s career was full of highlight reels from one incredible play to the next. Perhaps the most incredible was walking on the court to take his free throws after tearing his Achilles.

The five-time NBA champ has shown how important winning is to him, and had to play through several injuries if that was necessary. According to Bryant, he had to make sure he played, especially for those who paid to see him.

In 2004, Bryant put together arguably one of the greatest clutch performances. Despite great defense from the Portland Trail Blazers, he knocked down a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime.

After another hard-fought double overtime, Bryant knocked down the dagger that ended the game. With exactly one second on the clock, he caught the ball and let fly from deep to win the game for the Lakers 105-104.

NBA players who have been a fan of Kobe Bryant’s game

It is difficult to pick a player who is not a fan of Bryant. While people have their preferences on who the best player is, the love for Bryant is always there.

Anyone who has watched or played with/against Bryant has spoken highly of him. In the just-released "The Redeem Team" documentary, every player spoke about how Bryant led the team to victory by leading by example.

Perhaps the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan, has also heaped praise on Bryant. Although MJ was not one to teach people his moves, he made an exception with Bryant.