DeMar DeRozan's way to the NBA was not easy - the basketball player came from the notorious Compton, but the endless love and devotion to basketball paved the way to the top. He does not hide the fact that Kobe Bryant has also played a significant role in shaping his personality. The fact that Bryant is the ideal of DeRozan is obviously noticeable until this day - he almost always goes to the court with his nominal shoes.

Now about everything from the beginning! Current Spurs star was surrounded by challenges from the young not only in the basketball court - he grew up in Compton, city in district of Los Angeles was always surrounded by gray reality and crimes. In this area, where grew up many rappers and hip hop icons, murders, drugs and gang wars prevailed. DeRozan's family also was touched by the dark environment - two of his uncles were killed during the shootings.

A talented athlete, unlike many of his peers, took the sport instead of criminal activities and streets and spent most of his time playing basketball. Interestingly, although not being part of any gang, DeMar was protected by the gangs of the district, who saw the young man's talent, were watching his dominance on the parquet and even encouraged him to work and glorify Compton.

Kobe Bryant has made a significant impact on DeRozan's career - the young man every day watched the Lakers matches and tried to repeat magical actions action on the court. “I've always followed Kobe and I repeated myself that after school I had to go up to a higher level because he did it too. He played an important role in my career,ž” - DeMar said.

The current NBA star watched closely every Kobe's match - the one stuck in the memory and became an inspiration for creating a special Kobe A.D. DeRozan PE version. It was a 1997 playoff match against the Utah team - recorded in history as one of the most unsuccessful in Bryant's career and called "airball game". “I almost cried wathing this match. I saw my favorite player being judged for the these airballs. I remember the reaction of his teammates and the people laughing but he didn't stop it and wanted to try again. It made a big impact on my game - I realized that I don't have to pay attention to the missed shots, have to stay strong and to prevent anyone from breaking your trust," - the basketball player said.

The special version of the Kobe Bryant series shoes for DeRozan's was true dream come true. He calls himself a real sneakerhead and does not hide that he is crazy about them - especially about series of Kobe. He followed it from the first release of KB8 - at that time, Kobe were representing adidas.

Spurs star has an impressive collection of basketball and casual shoes - most of his home space is occupied by shoes, and he can't even name the number of pairs he has. The basketball player has all the possible versions of the Kobe Bryant series - it is unlikely that someone could compete with him. He usually goes to the court wearing the exclusive Kobe series kicks: "Now that I am in the NBA league, I want to play with shoes of this series and show off the exclusive colorways and models."

In the summer, forward moved from Toronto to San Antonio, but has not forgotten his native Compton - he is organizing a basketball camp for children every year in his own name gym at his high school, and tries to contribute as much as possible to educating the younger generation. “This city has many great places and people. Many famous personalities come from here - Kendrick Lamar, Serena Williams, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube. They prove that people from Compton can achieve great things” - DeRozan said.

Control the court with the newest basketball kicks! ➡ 

Control the court with the newest basketball kicks! ➡