Kobe Bryant already made the NBA defenders look silly with two fingers. However throughout a pre-season part in 1999, he did not want the 2. It’s based on a narrative now viral shared by Tyronn Lue, who advised the story Shedding 1 video games in opposition to 1 brief in Bryant, whereas the black Mamba was nonetheless recovering with a damaged hand.
Historical past, shared in the course of the look of LUE on the Podcast Membership Shay Shay with Denver Broncos Corridor of Fame Shannon Sharpeprovided a backstage in a traditional Los Angeles Lakers Practice the historical past of the early 2000s. In keeping with Lue, whereas the crew traveled for matches on the highway, Bryant remained in Los Angeles who recovered from an damage, however she was nonetheless in competitors with full depth.
“I may by no means beat him,” stated Lue. “I used to be a wonderful participant in 1 in opposition to 1 … Two years later, he turned Kobe. I see why I may by no means beat him. ”
“I may by no means beat him. I used to be a wonderful participant in 1 in opposition to 1 … Two years later, he turned Kobe. I see why I may by no means beat him.” – Ty learn pic.twitter.com/wr5rjdu3on
– Shay Shay membership (@Clubshayshay) September 1, 2025
Though he couldn’t use his dominant proper hand, Bryant challenged the long run coach to day by day matches in 1 in opposition to 1 within the set up of Lakers, enjoying solely along with his left hand.
Historical past didn’t cease there. He described by leaving the annoyed gymnasium, asking his cousin why he could not cease a wounded groy. However the reply has change into clear through the years. The legend of the Lakers was not solely a rehabilitation – he sharpened his job. His leg play, his balloon management and his aggressive mentality have been already at an elite stage.
Learn, who performed with Lakers from 1998 to 2001, added that Black Mamba frequently checks teammates like Glenn Rice and Jr Rider in the identical method. It was not solely a query of getting again in form – it was a query of settling the tone.
Historical past provides depth to legend 1 in opposition to 1 of Bryant – which confirmed as properly earlier than the championships and the MVPs, he already dominated behind closed doorways with the identical relentless depth he delivered to the NBA last.
Immediately, Lue is the Los Angeles Clippers head coach, contemporary out of a season of fifty wins and beneath stress to offer leads to the playoffs. However moments like this present how his management type has been deeply formed by his years across the finish of the NBA icon.
The time on the podcast shortly resonated with the league followers – not only for its humor, however for its data. He captured the implacable strategy of Black Mamba to competitors, even in advertising. For Lue, it was not solely a loss on the bottom – it was a lesson that he has transported in all of the locker rooms since.
Whereas the NBA is making ready for a brand new season, tales like this Make certain Bryant’s inheritance continues to resonate– A sensible story on the identical time.
