Kobe Bryant doesn't care about having friends, sidesteps controversy with newest teammate in interview
By JOHN DORN
Just because Kobe Bryant's career is nearing its conclusion doesn't mean his trademark competitive fire is dissipating one bit.
He recently did an interview with Jemele Hill for BET's "Genius Talks," and with it came some pure Kobe gold. For example, the revelation that he once made a teammate cry.
Hill: Worst thing you’ve ever said to a teammate?
Kobe: I have made somebody cry before.— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 28, 2015
Unfortunately, Bryant never revealed the player's identity. The man does have some sympathy.
Side bar: This comes as absolutely no surprise to us. Remember his rant to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak during a practice last season, where he openly pleaded for management to get him better teammates -- in front of his teammates? (Warning: NSFW language.)
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More from the BET interview: another deep burn that doesn't really surprise us.
Kobe did say that he once told a teammate to “reconsider your life purpose.”
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 28, 2015
But for the realest look at the kind of mentality Kobe has, the following quote -- when asked about being a good friend -- sums it up the best.
Kobe is asked about not being a great friend all the time.
His response: "Friends come and go but banners hang forever."— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 28, 2015
Seems like he took that one way too seriously, but after two decades in the league, his fans have come to expect nothing less.
Kobe was asked about the latest controversy involving his newest teammate, Lakers draft pick Larry Nance Jr. Shortly after being drafted by Los Angeles, Nance deleted a tweet from 2012 in which he called Bryant a rapist.
"Gee I sure hope Kobe can keep his hands to himself in Denver this time... #rapist," the tweet read.
But instead of stirring the pot even further, the 36-year-old took the high road and closed the book on whatever awkwardness may have ensued.
Kobe on Larry Nance tweet & talking to him about it: “There’s no need. The kid figured it out himself…He sent me a great message yesterday."
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 28, 2015
Kobe on Nance Jr. tweet: "He was really nice and apologetic about what happened.” Kobe said he told him, "It’s water under the bridge, man."
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 28, 2015
Bryant also addressed the topic of retirement, giving no commitments either way.
Kobe says at the end of the upcoming season, if he feels like playing another season, he will. If not, he won’t.
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 28, 2015
When Kobe takes the mic, the world listens. Once again, the Black Mamba provided us with conversation fodder to guide us through the next stage of the NBA offseason. Video of the interview can be seen here.
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