Anthony Davis On What He Learned From Kobe, Names Best Players He Played Against

On the 'Join The Lobby' podcast hosted by FaZe Clan's Swagg and Matcrackz, Anthony Davis shared valuable insights about what he learned from Kobe Bryant during their time together. Davis, who entered the NBA at a young age, was profoundly influenced by Kobe's work ethic and professionalism.

"I saw him getting up early in the morning, go work out. I shot with him we lifted weight together so for me, it was like oh this is how you train. He showed me how to be a professional."

"Mind you, I'm 19 I don't know, We go to dinner, we in Spain Barcelona and they were like all right, team dinner. So in college if we saying dinner we coming in sweats, all right." 

"I come to dinner in sweats and I walk in... Everybody is dressed and I'm like and they pull me to the side and say hey young fella next time don't come."

"They just told me and showed me how to be professional, how to work like what it means to actually work hard and work ethics." (35:36)

Davis recalled seeing Kobe getting up early to work out, shooting, and lifting weights together. This dedication showed him how to train and maintain a professional demeanor. At 19, Davis was new to the league and learning the ropes. 

He recounted an experience during a team dinner in Barcelona, where he arrived in sweats while everyone else was dressed formally. The veterans pulled him aside and explained the importance of professionalism, teaching him how to carry himself both on and off the court. 

This mentorship from Kobe and other experienced players profoundly impacted Davis, shaping his approach to work ethics and professionalism in his career.

When asked about the best opponents he has faced in the NBA, Davis highlighted a few standout players. 

"I mean KD was one of the first ones... I seen it like when I first got on the Olympics so was like all those... You see it on TV like but like to see it like everyday basis for two months and just like 'oh that motherf***er cold.'" 

"I give you one that's recent, Wemby... I remember playing him the first time in San Antonio and we was going at it. I think he end up having like 30 and I had like 40."

"After the game we were actually about to win and I remember I forgot who was sitting on the who was doing the the broadcast but I looked over there at them at the broadcast table and I said, 'yeah he like that.'" (1:10:50)

Kevin Durant was one of the first names he mentioned, recalling his initial exposure to Durant's skills during the Olympics. Seeing Durant's talent up close every day for two months was a transformative experience for Davis, who recognized Durant's exceptional ability.

Davis also mentioned Victor Wembanyama as a recent formidable opponent. Despite skepticism about Wembanyama's ability to compete at the NBA level due to his slender frame, Davis witnessed his impressive skills firsthand. 

In their first matchup in San Antonio, both players went head-to-head, with Wembanyama scoring around 30 points and Davis putting up 40. This intense competition left a lasting impression on Davis, who acknowledged Wembanyama's talent. Davis recalled how Wembanyama continued to dominate when they played in Los Angeles, scoring San Antonio's first 12 points.