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Nick Young Gets Real On Playing With Kobe Bryant

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated Sep 3, 2024 2:19 PM ET

Nick Young recently opened up about his experience playing alongside Kobe Bryant during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers on the "Club 520" podcast. Known for his candid and entertaining storytelling, Young shared insights into what it was like to be on the same team as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

(Cleaned up for better understanding)

"Getting to L.A. and playing with Kobe was different. Kobe was always the first person there, always on the training table getting treatment or something. He was just always in the gym, the first person there."

"That was fun because, in practice, he wouldn’t actually practice. He’d just talk to us about it, telling us things like, 'If I play, and I send you left, you can’t go that way.' So when he finally got out there, I was like, 'Yeah, this is our time,' because he was always just talking trash about how he’s going to get better practicing with us."

"I said, 'Damn, that's a cold line.' To me, he said that to me—oh, you disrespectful. So when he finally got out there, it was fun, though. But I think Jeremy Lin got the worst of that." (17:30)

Nick Young described how Kobe Bryant's work ethic and presence in the gym were unparalleled. This relentless dedication to his craft was something that left a lasting impression on Young and the rest of the Lakers.

However, what stood out most to Young was Kobe's approach to practice. According to Young, Bryant didn’t always participate in practice scrimmages. Instead, he would spend time on the sidelines, analyzing and giving advice to his teammates.

This intense level of psychological engagement, even when not physically practicing, showcased Kobe's deep understanding of the game. Young admitted that he initially found Kobe's trash talk during these sessions a bit disrespectful, particularly when Bryant would talk about how much better he was getting just by watching them play.

When Kobe finally did step onto the practice court, Young saw it as an opportunity for the team to prove themselves against the legend. Young admitted that teammate Jeremy Lin often bore the brunt of Kobe's competitive intensity during these sessions.

Young's reflections highlight not just Kobe Bryant's legendary work ethic but also his psychological approach to the game, which made him a formidable presence both on and off the court. The experience left a profound impact on Young, giving him a unique perspective on what it took to play alongside a basketball icon like Kobe.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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