The late Kobe Bryant is widely regarded as one of the best players the game has seen, and not only was he a great player on the court, he backed his talents with a great heart as a person as well. One of the moments he showed his great personality was shared by comedian and actor Marlon Wayans on a recent episode of The Big Podcast.
On the podcast, Wayans was asked to share instances where he made jokes at NBA games and he recalled a moment where he made a joke directed at Los Angeles Lakers former player Pau Gasol. He also recalled how the late Kobe Bryant came to his teammate’s defense, where he asked the comedian to back off.
I was at a Lakers game, and Kobe pulled me to the side…. cracking jokes on Pau Gasol. I said he looked like an ostrich that pushed into an oil spill… And Kobe just turned and said ‘Yo, chill. That may be my next ring’. And I was like ‘Alright, cool’. Just for you, champ. But Kobe was laughing.
Marlon Wayans said on the Big Podcast
Like everyone who came in contact with the Lakers legend, respect is one major thing they had for him. So was Mayans, who had to chill with the jokes after he was approached by the Black Mamba. Bryant and Gasol were crucial for the Lakers in their quest for the NBA’s ultimate glory. Although they came up short in their first season together, they made that up by winning the next two against the Orlando Magic and a revenge game against the Boston Celtics.
Kobe Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ inspires Jada Williams
Aside from his personality, the late Kobe Bryant had a die-hard mentality which earned him the nickname the ‘Black Mamba’ and despite it being fierce and somewhat intoxicating, it was an inspiration to others. Arizona guard Jada Williams shared the lessons the mentality taught her in times of trials during a recent episode of 2Legendary podcast with Shedeur Sanders.
It was just the mentality of like… the outlook he had on life. He could do no wrong. When he spoke it’s like he got it all figured out. It was overcoming everything… Everybody knows he was a dog on the court but off the court, it was just like his insane work ethic. He also carried that same work ethic whatever it had to be.
Jada Williams said on the 2Legendary podcast:
The five-foot-eight guard was most impressed by Bryant’s work ethic, a trait she made sure she applied to become the best version of herself. The Black Mamba himself used that trait to distinguish himself during his playing days, an argument his allies and fans use when debating in his favor in the GOAT debate.
He ended his career as one of the sport’s greats and led the Lakers to unprecedented levels of success alongside Shaquille O’Neal. Even without Big Shaq, who left the Purple and Gold, Bryant proved his critics wrong by winning without the ferocious center and hence, he would always be regarded as a legend of the game.
