Bryant ranks fourth in all-time NBA scoring (33,643 points) and his “ Mamba Mentality ” work ethic is still cited as a major influence on current athletes. He spent the first eight years of his career as Lakers teammates with O’Neal, with L.A. winning three NBA titles during that span.

Haliburton said on "The Pat McAfee Show" Tuesday that he knew it was his Achilles as soon as it happened, and also noted that after writhing on the ground in pain, he thought about trying to have a Kobe Bryant moment by walking off under his own power.