Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/Bernstein Associates, Inc.

Former NBA star Caron Butler is using his personal experiences to help teach young kids with his new book … telling TMZ Sports his close friend Kobe Bryant inspired him to share his real story:

“He did like a little moment with me prior to him passing. We connected and we talked about the writing process and how it’s so tough to be authentic and clear and real, but it’s exactly what the kids need,” Butler said.