The mutual respect between Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose talked about how Kobe Bryant influenced his career.

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It might not be common knowledge, but Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant and Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose shared a deep connection. The two stars had a private conversation back in November of 2010, and Bryant shared what he told Rose.

"I just told him to stay healthy and continue the job he's doing," Bryant explained. "I don't think you can develop (a killer instinct). You either have it or you don't. He's had it since he was in high school. That quality separates players I think. With players of equal ability, it's about the engine you have inside. It certainly gives him an edge.'"

Killer instinct

Rose displayed his killer instinct when the Bulls beat the Lakers 88-84 in Chicago on December 10, 2010. Bryant's legendary competitiveness was evident throughout the game, but Rose took over and willed the Bulls to a win.

D-Rose got the Bulls going early. When the Bulls went on a 24-11 run, Rose scored or assisted on 12 of those 24 points. The Lakers made a late rally, but Rose ended it with two big baskets in the final 93 seconds.

Rose led the way for the Bulls with 29 points and nine assists, while Bryant had 23 points for the Lakers.

Rose admired Bryant

Before they faced off one last time, the youngest MVP in NBA history gave what is perhaps the ultimate compliment to the Black Mamba by comparing him to Michael Jordan.

"Kobe, he's someone that I've looked up to ever since I came into the league. Someone that I did commercials with. Someone that always gave me advice about my game, just coming into the league. He's seen how hard I worked and for him and all his accolades and his resume ... I think that he's leaving the game in some good hands," Rose said.

"You've got [Steph Curry] playing well, you've got a whole bunch of guys that's right behind him giving their all to the game. And just for Kobe himself, he's going to be a legend no matter what. He's our [generation's] Michael Jordan," Rose added before his last game against Bryant on January 28, 2016.

Kobe was an 18-time NBA All-Star, a five-time NBA champion and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He also won the NBA MVP award in 2008. Michael Jordan will always be considered to be the greatest, but Rose was right, Bryant is also one of the all time greats.