Utah Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson has identified Kobe Bryant as his idol and aims to emulate the Los Angeles Lakers legend's approach to playing on both ends of the court. Peterson, selected second overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after a standout season at the University of Kansas, expressed his aspiration to be a lockdown defender.
"I'm a Kobe guy; he played both sides of the ball," Peterson told Utah media. "That's my idol. So I'm trying to lock down on defense."
During his lone college season at Kansas, Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game over 24 contests. He also recorded 3.5 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
While acknowledging he has yet to guard the NBA's elite, the 6-foot-5 guard, who possesses a 6-10 wingspan, believes his effort can compensate for any perceived lack of speed or quickness. He stated his willingness to embrace the challenge of defending top players.
Peterson's physical measurements are comparable to Bryant's, who stood 6-foot-6 and weighed 212 pounds. Bryant, a five-time champion and 2008 league MVP, was known for his "Mamba Mentality," a mindset of perceived superiority on the court. Peterson seeks to embody this same competitive drive.
Bryant's career averages included 4.1 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, numbers that Peterson’s college statistics closely mirror in the steals category. Bryant also led the league in scoring during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, showcasing his offensive prowess.