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Net gets emotional talking about boyhood hero Kobe Bryant

Wayne Ellington — who was Kobe Bryant’s teammate last year in Los Angeles — said when the Lakers were in town Nov. 6 the Black Mamba told him this would be his final season. Still, he seemed surprised when told Bryant had made it official Sunday, and said he had learned a lot from Bryant.

Meanwhile, Nets rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson — who, like Bryant, grew up near Philadelphia — was emotional to hear about his idol retiring. He clearly treasures the chance he got to sit down for a private meeting with the future Hall of Famer.

“It was great just to be in his presence, to hear from him, and for him to tell me that he’s watching, he’s noticing, and telling me to keep working hard.