DeMar DeRozan told a story about just how mentally prepared Kobe Bryant would be during NBA games.
Kobe Bryant might be the most enduring figure the sport of basketball has ever seen. The five-time NBA champion, to this day, is held in the highest regard by fans and players alike.
Kobe Bryant emerged alongside Shaquille O’Neal on the Lakers, as the pair led the team to three consecutive NBA championships between 2000 and 2002.
After Shaq’s departure, Bryant emerged as a fearsome NBA superstar. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being an elite competitor.
Kobe became known for his ‘Mamba Mentality’, a never-say-die mantra that would become synonymous with him for the rest of his career.
Even superstars like Stephen Curry felt Kobe Bryant’s presence during their showdowns. And now, DeMar DeRozan gives fans a glimpse into what it is like to face Bryant.
DeMar DeRozan appeared on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast. When discussing the way Kobe Bryant approached the game, DeRozan didn’t hold back.
He explained how Kobe was incredibly cynical, almost quick to temper. But it was his way of motivating himself to play at the highest level possible.
“Kobe was the type to say some s***, and you’d be like ‘what?’ Remember the Kanye commercial he was in? That’s really what it be.
“There had been times I was working out, I’m like ‘What the f***! How?’ But I just go along with it. Later down the line, something accidental may happen, I’m like ‘Oh that’s the s*** he was talking about!’
“He’ll play mind games from that type of standpoint. When it comes to a lot of s***. That was one thing, that was great about him. It showed how cynical he was in his mind.
“If you could take where he was coming from with something, it’ll be beneficial. That was the most bizarre thing. Bro put a 10 on a 5 sometimes. That’s how he psyched himself out!”
Speaking further about Bryant, DeRozan looked back at a time when he and Rudy Gay were playing against Bryant. After Gay made some accidental contact, Bryant had a bizarre response.
“I remember we was playing Kobe. Rudy hit the s*** out of Kobe. Busts him across his face. He’s at the free-throw line. Rudy’s like ‘You good, Kobe?’
“Kobe said, ‘What! Don’t insult me, m************.’ I said, ‘You ain’t going to say nothing back to him?’ To him, he’s psyching himself out.”
Bryant truly did everything in his power to try and make his opponent his enemy. And given how his career played out, it’s hard to argue against the success.
