Nick Young recently shared an intriguing story on 'Vlad TV' about an incident that led to Kobe Bryant giving his teammate Jeremy Lin the silent treatment for an entire season. According to Young, this fallout occurred after Lin attempted to engage with Bryant during a Lakers practice.
"Nobody really messed with Kobe like that, to the point of just messing with him. I remember when Jeremy Lin tried, but it didn't end well. It didn't end well for Jeremy. I felt bad for Jeremy Lin."
"I forgot exactly what happened, but I know they didn't really click at all. After that one practice, Jeremy Lin tried to get in the middle of the huddle and say a couple of words, like, 'we could keep it on the court, but don't do this or do something', and Kobe said something, something I forgot, and then didn't talk to Jeremy for the rest of the season." (2:48)
Kobe, known for his fierce competitiveness and high standards, was not receptive to Lin's approach. Young mentioned that Kobe responded to Lin's attempt to speak in a manner that immediately shut him down.
Although Young couldn't recall Kobe's exact words, the effect was clear: Kobe essentially dismissed Lin, and from that point on, he did not speak to him for the rest of the season. This incident highlighted the challenging environment Lin faced as he tried to find his place on a team led by one of the most intense and focused players in NBA history.
The silent treatment from a player of Bryant's stature would have been a challenging experience for Lin. It underscores the intensity of playing alongside one of the NBA's greatest players. For Bryant, maintaining a high level of focus and commitment was non-negotiable, and any disruption to this was dealt with decisively.
This story also sheds light on the challenges Lin faced throughout his career. Despite his breakout "Linsanity" period, Lin often found himself battling for respect and a stable role within various teams. His stint with the Lakers from 2014 to 2015, particularly under the shadow of Kobe Bryant, was another chapter in his ongoing struggle for acceptance and validation in the league.
In the same interview on 'Vlad TV,' Nick Young shared his perspective on the controversy surrounding Kobe Bryant's parents selling his memorabilia. When asked about his thoughts on the matter, Young expressed a pragmatic view, saying:
"They need the money, I think... If you ain't got the funds, you gotta do what you gotta do." (4:00)
This comment comes in the wake of one of the most notable sales: Kobe Bryant's 2000 NBA Championship ring, which he had given to his father. The ring fetched nearly a million dollars at auction, highlighting the high value of memorabilia associated with the late basketball legend.
Young's remarks reflect a broader understanding of financial necessity. He implies that, regardless of the sentimental value attached to such items, financial circumstances can compel individuals to make tough decisions. In his view, Kobe's parents selling the memorabilia is a practical step to address their financial needs.
This perspective sheds light on the often-overlooked personal and financial struggles that even the families of famous athletes might face. While the sale of cherished items can stir public emotion and debate, Young's stance is that the primary concern should be the financial well-being of Kobe's parents.
Young's comments bring a humanizing element to the situation, emphasizing the importance of financial security and the sometimes harsh realities that drive personal decisions.
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