Derek Fisher, the former Lakers guard who knows the ins and outs of Kobe Bryant’s game like few others, sees some of Bryant in three-time scoring champ Kevin Durant.

"There are similarities in terms of that internal fire," Fisher said. "Kevin is not as demonstrative [as Kobe] in terms of his actions, but on the inside, he wants to be one of the greats."

Durant’s practice habits remind Fisher of Bryant.

"I watched Kobe for years work to become one of the greatest of all-time," Fisher said. "I think Kevin has the same love and passion for playing basketball. The process is happening, for sure. You can see he is understanding more of what it takes to be the leader of the team. Not just statistically; but the little things, the defense, the rebounding, being in the right position. Knowing when to control the game, when to get his teammates involved. But I think he is making a commitment on the defensive end. He wants to get better. He wants to improve. He is on his way."