Kobe chronicles: Carmelo Anthony says he and Bryant became friends as Olympic teammates

As Kobe Bryant plays out his 20th and final season with the Lakers, The Times has reached out to players, coaches and broadcasters to share their recollections about his career.

Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony forged their friendship as teammates in the Olympics and the New York Knicks forward says their relationship will continue beyond their careers in the NBA.

“Any time you are competing against somebody at that level, day in and day out, and then you have a chance to play with them, you go into that situation with open ears and open eyes, trying to learn something,� said Anthony, who won gold medals with Bryant and Team USA in Beijing and London. “I’d say that’s kind of when our friendship has really grown and started from there.

“It’s not just a basketball relationship.�

Anthony, a nine-time All-Star in his 14th season, and Bryant played against each other for a final time Sunday. The Knicks defeated the Lakers, 90-87, on Jose Calderon’s last-second three-pointer.

Anthony scored 26 points and Bryant, a five-time champion and 18-time All-Star, finished with 14.

“It was a very emotional situation from the standpoint of competing. One of the greats, a friend, brother, one last time,� Anthony said.

“You can’t take no plays off going up against him, even now. You’re seeing flashes of him out there and he still has that look in his eyes when he gets the ball and you have to pay close attention to him. We’re definitely going to miss that.�