Gary Payton Compares Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade: “They Were Both the Same”
Gary Payton, a Hall of Fame point guard known for his defensive prowess and basketball IQ, recently shared his thoughts on two of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history—Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. Having had the unique opportunity to play alongside both legends, Payton didn’t mince words when asked to compare the two.
“They both had the dog in ’em,” Payton said. “They were both the same.”
For those unfamiliar with Payton’s perspective, the “dog” he refers to is that intense, competitive drive that separates great players from legends. Both Bryant and Wade possessed an unwavering mindset that demanded greatness, whether it was in practice or the high-stakes moments of a game.
Payton, who teamed up with Bryant during his final season with the Lakers and later played alongside Wade during a brief stint with the Miami Heat, got to witness firsthand the relentless work ethic and leadership of both players. Despite having different styles—Kobe with his methodical footwork and cold-blooded approach, and Wade with his explosive athleticism and creativity—their commitment to winning and their ability to rise to the occasion were strikingly similar.
“They were relentless,” Payton continued, reflecting on their common approach to the game. “They hated losing more than they loved winning, and that’s what made them great.”
Kobe’s five NBA championships with the Lakers and Wade’s three titles with the Heat are a testament to their “dogged” mentality. While their careers took different paths, both players left an indelible mark on the league.
For Payton, who also won an NBA title with the Heat in 2006, it’s clear that both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade earned their places among the NBA’s all-time greats—not just for their skill, but for their mentality.
