Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Wishes Bill Russell Happy Birthday
[new_royalslider id=”125″]

Today marked the 80th birthday of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell. Russell was a pioneer in the NBA, becoming the first African-American head coach in NBA history, and winning 11 championships with the Celtics.

Well after he has retired, Russell remains one of the most revered and respected athletes today, especially amongst the current NBA players. And Lakers legend Kobe Bryant took time to wish Russell a happy birthday on Twitter:

Russell is an inspiration and mentor for many of today’s athletes, and one of the greatest winners in sports. That is why the NBA Finals MVP trophy was named after him, something Bryant has won twice.

You can see how much Bryant really cares and admires Russell in his words dedicated to the legend:

Happy birthday Mr Russell. Thank you for all of your wisdom and the amount of time you have taken to mentor a young temperamental kid playing for your franchises nemesis. I am deeply appreciative #thankyou #happybday #rings #goat

Someone as entrenched in the Laker-Celtic rivalry as Bryant is normally unlikely to pay respect to a Celtic. But Russell is an exception to rules like that.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Coach D’Antoni Talks About Steve Nash’s Legacy

You May Also Like

VINE: Julius Randle Throws Out First Pitch At Dodger Stadium

[new_royalslider id=”323″] Rookie power forward Julius Randle of the Los Angeles Lakers…

Paul George Suggests Eventually Signing With Lakers In Free Agency Remains Possibility

For more than a year the expectation held that Paul George would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency…

Lakers News: Gregg Popovich Argues Everyone Would Love To Coach Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant and Gregg Popovich led the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs into their fair share of postseason…

Lakers News: LeBron James Insists On Media Asking Rob Pelinka About Any Potential Trades

The injury to Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis is an absolutely crushing blow as the big man was playing arguably his best…