Russell Westbrook motivated to perform for 'mentor, friend and brother - Kobe Bryant'

Houston Rockets made their way to an impressive 111-121 win over LA Lakers at the Staples Center on Thursday. The visitors managed to keep LeBron James quiet as Russell Westbrook put in one of his best displays in a Rockets jersey this season. Here's what the former OKC Thunder star had to say after the Rockets vs Lakers match.

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Rusell Westbrook pays tribute to mentor, friend and brother - Kobe Bryant

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As recorded on NBA on TNT, Russell Westbrook paid homage to NBA legend and close friend Kobe Bryant in the post-match interview. When asked about Kobe Bryant's influence on his game, Russell Westbrook said, "Kobe was a mentor, a friend, a brother to me. Every time I step on this floor, it’s definitely going out to him." Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant passed away last month in a tragic helicopter accident in California along with seven other people.

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