Today marks the 16th anniversary of The Dark Knight's release Lakers GM Rob Pelinka recalls how Kobe impressed by Heath Ledger's performance sought to learn Ledger's methods and applied these insights in a game against the KnicksLedger had passed away 6 months before the movie was released

Jaylen Brown I was inspired by LAs Kobe Bryant He inspired me not only to play basketball but his thoughts and stuff he did off the court inspired me as well Before he passed he was exploring starting his own brand and giving athletes better percentages and deals

Jaylen Brown I was inspired by LAs Kobe Bryant He inspired me not only to play basketball but his thoughts and everything he did off the court inspired me as well

Rob Pelinka on LeBron We probably haven't seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he's honored the game He's given so much to his teammates to this organization The thing we want to do more than anything else is to honor him back

The Press Box Brian Windhorst on LeBron He was chasing the figurative ghost with Jordan and now he has to play against a literal ghost the spirit of Bryant He would have never equaled Kobe in Lakers fans' eyes people are at that statue 247

Kobe Bryant puts up an absurd 45 points on 20-26 shooting in December 2000 Kobe has the ball in clutch time in a 1 point game and the opposing announcer has a panic attack when Kobe gets the ball HE'S GOING TO NEED HELP PLEASE HELP

Kobe hits the game winner against Dwyane Wade in 2009 D-Wade's jaw dropped and was in disbelief