Thomas had reason to idolize Bryant . . . right from the start

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With Kobe Bryant’s career in its final days, there’s a heightened level of reverence from which those who have played against him will speak of quite often.

Boston’s Isaiah Thomas has been a Kobe fan for what seems like, forever. So to finally make it to the NBA and face his idol was indeed a surreal time in Thomas’ career.

And in his first game against Bryant, it didn’t take long for Thomas to experience Bryant’s talent up close and personal . . . and leave with a great story that he shared with reporters following Boston’s 107-100 win over the Lakers.

“My first year, it was my first game and [then-Sacramento Kings coach] Paul Westphal, he had a rule in practice where nobody could back me down because they would turn the ball over,” Thomas recalled. “And he subbed me in [against the Lakers].”

Before Thomas went on the floor, Westphal told him, “You got Kobe and remember, nobody can back you down.’”

Thomas’ response?

“ 'Man, don’t lie to me. That’s Kobe,' ” Thomas recalled telling Westphal.

So what happened when he matched up with Bryant?

Unfortunately for Thomas, Bryant did exactly what he feared he would do.

“He backed me down three straight possessions and scored on me,” Thomas said. “And I’m just laughing the whole way down. That’s my best memory.”

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