Kobe Bryant is helping Isaiah Thomas break down playoff film

Isaiah Thomas says he’s been getting some help from Kobe Bryant during the playoffs.

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry only runs so deep, apparently: Isaiah Thomas says he’s been getting some help from Kobe Bryant during the playoffs.

The Celtics star, fresh off a 53-point overtime performance against the Wizards, toldreporters that Bryant has been assisting him with film breakdown and scouting tips. Boston is out to a 2–0 lead against Washington.

Thomas said that Bryant called him after the Game 2 win and lent him some advice in breaking down the Wizards’ defense (although he’d already done a good job).

“Mentally, he's on a different level than anyone I've ever met,” Thomas said. “We was on the phone for 30 minutes, I emailed him my film, he watched every second...certain plays, things i didn't look at [before] when I watched film.

“He made me figure out a lot of things.”

Thomas’ performance came on what would have been the 23rd birthday of his younger sister Chyna, who died in a car crash last month prior to the start of the postseason. He lost a tooth in Game 1 of this series. Thomas said Bryant initially reached out after his sister’s death.

Isaiah Thomas details how Kobe Bryant has helped him this postseason. pic.twitter.com/Vpd4XuZYjp

— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) May 3, 2017

Bryant recently featured Thomas in one of his creatively–focused ESPN Canvas segments.