Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest players to grace the game. Aside from his skill and talent, the Los Angeles Lakers’ guard was known for his work ethic and relentless desire to win.
During a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, three-time sixth man of the year Lou Williams opened up on Kobe Bryant’s win-at-all-costs mindset. Willams was a former teammate of Bryant between 2015-2017 and his fascinating stories provide some insight into how the 18-time NBA All-Star approached the game.
Kobe’s message to his teammates
“Y’all gonna learn what it’s like to play with Kobe Bean M************ Bryant” 😂😂😂
(🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/EABjBSbphD) pic.twitter.com/9VPrtFZsdQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2024
On one occasion, the 6’6′ guard entered the locked room livid with his teammates after a disappointing loss. He didn’t hold back on his criticism of the team.
“From now on out I touch the ball everything time down the court.” said Bryant. “Y’all gonna learn what it’s like to play with Kobe Bean m************ Bryant”
Bryant proceeded to call out each of his teammates personally with only Williams, Ron Artest and Brandon Bass spared.
That, however, was not the end of the story. The next day, Kobe was not over it and had the equipment manager go into the player’s lockers and clear out any pair of Bryant shoes he saw.
“He don’t want you all wearing his shoes,” said the equipment manager.
Kobe Bryant was the leader during a glorious era for the Los Angeles Lakers. Under his guidance, the team won five NBA championships between 1996-2016. Over a 20-year career with the organization, he averaged 27 or more points in nine different seasons.
Known as one of the hardest workers in the league, Bryant lived basketball and dedicated his life to the game. That same level of excellence and commitment was expected from his Laker teammates.
