Kobe Bryant Gifts Autographed Sneakers to ‘Best Defender’ Tony Allen

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant, one of NBA's greatest players ever, has gifted Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies a pair of very special sneakers.

On the sneakers, Bryant, who is retiring at the end of the season, called Allen "the best defender" that he has "ever faced!"

Although Bryant has faced several great defenders throughout his long career, which spanned two decades, he has repeatedly praised Allen. In a December interview with TNT's Ernie Johnson, Bryant had said that Allen was his toughest opponent on an individual basis.

"The player I had the most trouble with, individually, was Tony Allen. Always," Bryant said.

One of the most notable matchups between Bryant and Allen occurred during the 2010 NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics.

Allen is a three time NBA All-Defensive first team selection.