Jordan Clarkson
Q: On if he has ever been part of a game like that:
Clarkson: I don’t even know what to do with my hands right now. This was, like, so crazy, to be honest with you. I don’t even know how to react. He was just making everything. It was crazy. This is like one of the best games I’ve played in basketball ever.
Q: On if Bryant’s performance was beyond belief:
Clarkson: When we got on the bus from last game, I asked him for 50, and he just got 60. That’s crazy. I don’t know. I’m just out of it right now. I don’t even know what to say right now.
Q: On what he will miss most about Bryant:
Clarkson: When you need a bucket, just give him the ball. That’s always gonna be missed. His leadership. It’s just crazy, man. It’s sad that it’s over for him. I watched him as a kid. It’s just a crazy experience for me right now. I don’t know how to really react. I’m excited, I’m sad — we won the game! It’s just crazy.
Q: On what he will remember most about Bryant:
Clarkson: His work ethic. Just how he gave his all and gave himself to theme. That’s the blueprint, man. If you want to win and want to be a champion, that’s how you’ve got to do it.
Q: On if he has ever been part of a crazier game:
Clarkson: No, that’s the craziest game I’ve ever played in — hands down. I just started playing basketball in the ninth grade. That’s like the best game ever, easy.
D’Angelo Russell
Q: On if the game was as much fun to play in as it was to watch:
Russell: That was crazy. That was one of the craziest things I’ve ever got to witness. Just the feeling that you want to remember and want to get to that point one day. It’s really a lot of motivation going into that.
Q: On when he felt the team could win:
Russell: Everybody took pride in feeding the hot hand. He was was hot. He cooled off for a second, but then he just got hot again. You got to take advantage of that.
Q: On what he learned most from Bryant:
Russell: Honestly, I learned the most from this game. Just his willpower. I don’t know how many minutes he played, but he played them like he was fresh; like he didn’t get tired. I don’t think losing was an option today. It looked like he was going for a 100-point victory. Just his willpower. That’s something I really can take from him.
Q: On what he will miss most about Bryant:
Russell: I don’t know. Everybody has credibility in the league, but a guy like him fresh out of the league in to retirement — he’s a guy that, when he speaks you listen. The credibility speaks for itself. He’s just so tuned-in and engaged when he talks. I’m definitely gonna miss that.
Julius Randle
Q: On the game:
Randle: It’s a fairy-tale ending. You can’t script it any better. For him to do that in his final game, I’m extremely happy for him.
Q: On if this was the most memorable game he’s ever played in:
Randle: Absolutely, man. Being in the Final Four and playing in front of my hometown is pretty incredible, but that guy’s legendary right there. That’s something you can’t make up.
Q: On when he knew this was something special:
Randle: When I pulled up to the arena. I’ve never seen it like that. I’ve never seen it like when I ran out on the court; all those people. I couldn’t really see the court since there was a tunnel all the way out to the court. You can’t make this stuff up, man.
Q: On what he learned most from Bryant:
Randle: A lot, but he’s just a killer. His personality, how he prepares and how he goes out on the court and leads. It’s amazing.
Q: On what he will miss most about Bryant:
Randle: Just the motivation and inspiration he gives me on a day-to-day basis, especially me being a kid growing up watching him. He was my motivation and inspiration. He’s a big part of why I’m here today. Hopefully I can keep it going.
Larry Nance Jr.
Q: On if he had ever been a part of a game like that:
Nance: Nobody has. I’d imagine that’s the closest thing to a Game 7-type atmosphere you can get. That was … I don’t have words for it.”
Q: On balancing getting the ball to Bryant and winning the game:
Nance: That’s what usually happens. The past 20 years: Get the ball to Kobe and he usually wins. That was our goal today, and 60 points later here we are.
Q: On seeing Bryant play at his highest level:
Nance: It was incredible. Honestly, I was out there for most of the third and fourth quarter and didn’t realize it. I knew he was making some shots, knew he was playing really well, but I think with two minutes left I looked up and it was 58. That’s the most I’ve ever seen — it’s ridiculous. I don’t know.
Q: On what he learned most from Bryant:
Nance: He just told us, “Leave no stone unturned. Give the game everything you’ve got, so when the day comes that it does end for you, you have no regrets. Play your heart out every game. Practice like there’s no tomorrow, and leave the game with no regrets.”
Q: On what he will miss most about Bryant.
Nance: Just his presence. There’s nothing like the competitive presence that he is on the court, in the practice gym, on the plane — his presence is just so competitive. That’s what I’m gonna miss: just the incredible mentality and competitiveness.
