Jalen Brunson reveals that Kobe Bryant’s gesture changed everything
There is always a moment that will stay with someone when they felt they changed the trajectory of their life. For Jalen Brunsonthis may not have been a life-changing moment, but it definitely had an impact on his career. NBA Cup MVP reminded for a moment he shared with Kobe Bryant on Christmas Day 2014 when Los Angeles Lakers faced the Chicago Bulls.
Bryant didn’t play in that game, but Brunson was able to shake his hand and talk to him afterward. The Lakers legend then gave Brunson a pair of his Kobe 9s. Brunson had a high school game the next day and wore them, finishing with 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
Jalen Brunson remembers the moment Kobe Bryant handed him his signature Christmas shoes in high school. The moment that changed everything ❤
(via @malika_andrevs) pic.twitter.com/imi0fkvDbm
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 17, 2025
From there, Brunson was able to create special moments in his basketball career, and the interaction with Bryant is likely something he will never forget. That may be one of the reasons he is where he is at this point in his career and having success with New York Knicks this season, as they just won the MVP of the NBA Cup.
After the game, the head coach Mike Brown shared his thoughts on Brunson’s win MVP, and thinks he should be in the running for an even bigger award.
“I hope on this stage, when you guys start talking about MVP candidates, his name is one of the first ones that comes out of your mouth. Because on this stage, in my opinion, what MVP is on this stage is to do it while winning,” Brown said.
There’s a good chance Brunson could be in those conversations at the end of the season if the Knicks continue to play well. They are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Detroit Pistons.
2025-12-17 22:02:00
