Russell Westbrook says Kobe Bryant is 'his guy,' is honored Kobe had his back

Kobe Bryant's defense of Russell Westbrook didn't fall on deaf ears -- or, blind eyes considering it was a handful of Tweets -- as the Oklahoma City Thunder guard returned the favor and gushed about the Black Mamba. Here's what he said in response to Kobe's gesture, via Royce Young of ESPN:

That's my guy. That's my guy. That's my guy. Kobe's a good friend of mine and being in LA I was able to watch him and see him become a Hall of Famer and one of the best players to play the game. It's an honor to be able to be able to see somebody like that, to be able to have your back and support you."

It's no secret that the two like to exchange compliments at any given moment, but it's fun to dream every now and then. Kobe's frequently gone out of his way to shamelessly heap praise on Westbrook, which feels like awfully similar to a recruiting pitch. To be fair, it's understandable why Bryant would identify with a player like Russ, and it's cool to see something that looks like an authentic bond between two players.

Fun stuff to close the season. Russell Westbrook's career-high night is the gift that keeps on giving.