Kobe, Howard learned from Olajuwon

Kobe Bryant drives hard down the right side of the lane in a January matchup with the Suns. Coming to a jump stop on the low block, he picks up his dribble and the defense, as usual, converges. Bryant fakes a shot, which sends Grant Hill airborne. But Hill's teammate Channing Frye doesn't bite, so Bryant quickly pivots on his right foot, turns his back to both Suns and fakes a pass to an imaginary cutter. Then, just as quickly, he steps back and launches a fadeaway jumper. His feet never stop moving.

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Chris Palmer

ESPN the Magazine

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• Chris Palmer has been a frequent contributor to ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com's NBA coverage since 1999.