Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant have a special bond and with that said, it would not be surprising to see the Oklahoma City Thunder star hitting on media and reporters for their take on the retiring Los Angeles Lakers star.

Obviously, Bryant hasn't really been on the upside since this season got underway. Many have hit him for his off-form and, apparently, for his decision to force the issue somewhat with the blessings of head coach Byron Scott.

The result, of course, is what is seen now in the National Basketball Association (NBA) standings. The Lakers are dead last in the Western Conference and the whole develop the young talent thing has hardly (or has not) been seen. Instead, Bryant has been forced into the hot seat to try and win games for Scott but to no avail.

Bryant's decision to announce that he will retire after this season somehow eases the burden off him but not on the Lakers. But just the same, the Black Mamba deserves recognition and respect.

And while most fans and players are doing that, Durant jaws back at media for all that negativity and hitting Bryant during his low points. Summing it all up, he has witnessed how Bryant took the blows in recent years and he is not happy.

Durant's statement via the Anthony Slater of the Oaklahoman and NewsOK partly said, "I've been disappointed this year because you guys (media) treated him like s***. He's a legend and all I hear is about how bad he's playing, how bad he's shooting, time for him to hang it up. You guys treated one of our legends like s*** and I didn't really like it. Hopefully now you can start being nice to him."

For his part, Bryant is being his usual self and moving on. He brushes aside the criticism as he has always had, taking it as they come in the way that professionals do.

And as he explains, it is all a cycle and something one just has to roll with. Apparently, Bryant knows this stuff and Durant may be wise to put it on notice.

Durant may still be young but at some point, he will be where Bryant is. And by admitting he idolizes Bryant, the former NBA Most Valuable Player may want to add this to his list of bookmarked Bryant feats.