A resurfaced locker-room belief from the Toronto Raptors' historic 2019 championship run has reignited debate across the NBA landscape. The claim, which places Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in direct comparison with the legendary Kobe Bryant, comes not from fans or analysts, but from within the championship circle itself.
VanVleet Sheds Light on Leonard's Championship Mindset
Fred VanVleet, a key contributor to the Raptors' title-winning team, recently provided a stunning insight into Kawhi Leonard's mindset during and after that magical playoff run. According to VanVleet, after the championship was secured, the idea that Leonard had surpassed Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant was openly discussed among the team.
"It was a conversation being had and the sentiment of it was when we won the championship was like 'I'm better than Kobe,'" VanVleet revealed. This bold belief was rooted firmly in Leonard's extraordinary performance throughout the postseason. He delivered elite two-way play, combining clutch scoring with suffocating defense, all while maintaining an unmatchable calm under immense pressure.
The Legacy of a Historic Playoff Run
Leonard's 2019 playoff campaign is widely regarded as one of the most complete in modern NBA history. He carried the Raptors night after night, controlling the pace of games, dictating matchups, and making winning plays without unnecessary spectacle. His efforts were instrumental in ending a 26-year championship drought for Canada, a fact that added immense emotional weight to the victory.
Raptors legend Wayne Embry, who witnessed the triumph, emphasized its unique significance. "At my age, any time you win a championship is special. I've been here before. But this is the finest," said the 82-year-old Embry, referencing his prior wins as a player in 1968 and in a front-office role in 1971. "The significance of winning in Toronto. And Canada. A whole country behind you. It's just unbelievable."
A Champion's Declaration and Lasting Impact
Leonard himself encapsulated the moment during the raucous championship celebration. Soaked in champagne with his arms raised, he made his view clear: "I wanted to make history here. That's what I did." This statement, coupled with the recently revealed internal belief about his standing relative to Kobe Bryant, shows how the title run fundamentally altered Leonard's perception of his own place in basketball's all-time hierarchy.
The debate sparked by VanVleet's revelation continues to echo, reminding fans of the sheer dominance of Kawhi Leonard during that 2019 postseason. It underscores how a single, legendary playoff performance can not only deliver a franchise its first title but also permanently shift the narrative around a player's legacy in the sport's greatest pantheon.
