Lakers News: How Kobe Bryant Continues To Impact Next Generation Of Hoopers

The Black Mamba remains influential long after his passing.

D.J. Wagner, the top-ranked high school basketball player among the class of 2023, committed to join John Calipari's program at the University of Kentucky for the 2023-24 season last fall.

Since then, the 6'3" point guard out of New Jersey's Camden High School has enjoyed a fairly quiet senior prep year, especially when compared with, say, LeBron "Bronny" James Jr., the much-buzzed about combo guard son of Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James Sr. Bronny's every move is scrutinized, from his college decision (still impending) to his lucrative NIL deal with Nike.

Wagner was a teammate of Bronny's during this year's McDonald's High School Boys All-American Game at the Toyota Center in Houston. He wore a unique set of sneakers throughout the action.

After the contest, Wagner spoke with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson about why he opted to rock the Nike footwear of Lakers Hall of Fame shooting guard Kobe Bryant during the game.

Kobe Bryant’s sneakers were worn tonight by DJ Wagner.

The Kentucky commit tells @BallySports why Mamba is one of his favorite NBA players. pic.twitter.com/nbVVM8R4Lh

— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) March 29, 2023

"These shoes are comfortable," Wagner said of the Nikes. "You know Kobe's my favorite basketball player. Just even being able to step on that court, in the McDonald's All-American, [to] honor Kobe, he's a legend... It just felt good being able to play with them."

Bryant was an 18-time All-Star and the 2008 league MVP. He led the Lakers to seven NBA Finals appearances and five wins. Three of those victories (and four of those appearances) were snared alongside Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal, while the others were achieved next to 2023 Hall of Fame power forward Pau Gasol.

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