Earlier this season, Kobe Bryant revealed that Tony Allen was the defender who gave him the most trouble in the NBA. Kobe had to deal with T.A. in the 2010 NBA Finals, plus a few times per season since Allen moved to the Grizzlies in 2010-11. (The Grindfather was also on Boston's '08 title team that faced the Lakers in the finals, but Allen didn't play much in the championship round.)

Kobe reiterated his admiration for T.A.'s defensive skills this week by signing a pair of shoes for the Grizzly upon the Lakers' final visit to Memphis.

The shoe reads:

To Tony, the best defender I ever faced!

What an honor. Somewhere, Shane Battier and Bruce Bowen are barefoot and stewing. Kobe's teammate Metta World Peace might have something to say, too.

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Lakers Nation Presents: Kobe Bryant makes a young fan's day