When Stephen Curry entered the NBA, Kobe Bryant was already leading it. A legend in Los Angeles and with multiple championships, Bryant would win another title in 2010 before retiring. Of course, with a new crop of players signing on, it was time for Bryant — and his contemporaries — to pass on the torch officially.
In a recent appearance, Curry spoke about the late NBA legend and the exact moment Bryant passed the torch to him.
Stephen Curry Shares Details of Iconic Moment With Late Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant
In a segment of his new documentary for his book “Shot Ready”, Curry had the chance to explore some moments between him and Bryant. Naturally, Curry was just a rookie when he started playing. Not many expected him to go on and win multiple titles for the Golden State Warriors, ultimately changing the NBA completely.
Bryant, with three titles to his name already, was a certified legend when Curry was drafted in 2009.
“[Kobe]…just in terms of his impact on the game as a kid growing up watching. Being inspired to see the game differently. To have that killer instinct. There are countless stories of either something that I got from him [or] something I said about him,” Curry explained.
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He spoke about Bryant being a part of his ‘welcome to the NBA’ moment during a preseason game against the Lakers, and how he had 0 out of 0 chances of getting the five-time NBA champion to stop.
However, Curry had his big moment early on.
“There was that moment in my rookie year when we were playing the Lakers and I hit a shot off the glass… they zoomed in on Kobe and he said a word I can’t repeat,” Curry added.
According to Curry, what Bryant said about him as a rookie was the best validation he could have ever received.
The moment where Bryant passed over his torch symbolically, though, was different.
“Fast forward to when he almost symbolically passed the torch after I hit a three over him in a preseason game,” Curry shared.
The clip captured the moment where Bryant lightly patted Curry on the butt after the three.
According to the Warriors icon, Bryant’s gesture meant a great deal to him.
That being said, Curry was speaking about the moments he’d included in his new book “Shot Ready”, which was released in September 2025.
Curry Honored Bryant With Sneakers After Under Armour Partnership Came to an End
Curry hasn’t forgotten what Bryant meant to him or the world of basketball.
Losing his life in a helicopter crash in 2020, Bryant’s tragic death was a shock for everyone. And while people mourned for months, there’s no denying the legacy Bryant left behind with his game and presence on the court.
During a game against the San Antonio Spurs in November 2025, Curry wore Nike “Mambacita” Kobe 6s to honor Bryant and his late daughter, Gianna (Gigi) Bryant. Gianna was also on board when the helicopter crashed.
Curry, having ended his 12-year deal with Under Armour, admitted that though it’s weird to wear another shoe, he wanted to do something special for Bryant and Gigi.
“I wanted to take advantage of that moment and pay tribute, and I think it gave me some good energy tonight,” Curry explained.
When Bryant retired in 2016, Curry had already won his first title with the Warriors in 2015.
