Kobe Bryant was a legend. It wasn’t just his deep bag of moves that awed the fans. But more than that, it was his unshakeable grit that terrified opponents. Everyone remembers the time someone faked a pass right in Kobe’s grill. And of course, in classic fashion, the Black Mamba did not flinch. Well, you might not have known that this audacious attempt might have secured the culprit a spot on the Lakers roster. 

The former basketball player and ESPN analyst sat for an interview with the House of Highlights. During the same, the 2017 NBA champion recounted how the Lakers star once approached him with an offer to join his team.

Matt Barnes talks about Kobe Bryant’s offer

During the conversation, the former NBA champion shared how once he got a call from Kobe Bryant. He stated how after the conversation, he helped the Lakers recruit him. Apparently, after Barnes’ impressive run with the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, Bryant was intrigued to have him on the team. 

Barnes said, “I get a random phone call from a number that I don’t know. I asked who it was. And it’s Kobe. And I’m like quit bullsh*****g. He says nah it’s me.”

The ESPN analyst added, “And he told me, any player who is crazy enough to f**k with me crazy enough to play with me.  Do you want to be a Laker? And I’m like hell yeah.” Barnes played with the Lakers from 2010 to 2012. 

The reason behind the legend asking Barnes to join the team seemed simple to him. During a game between Kobe and Barnes’ Magic, Barnes failed to make the legend flinch as he faked throwing a ball into his face. Following this, Bryant approached Barnes with the offer.

Something similar happened with Metta Sandiford Artest. Players who engaged in heated fights with the Lakers legend were seen joining the team and helping Kobe in leading them to victory.

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Los Angeles Lakers fans have noticed two different Bryant in the league. The one Matt was talking about is the second version of the legend. While donning Jersey 8, he was the coldest and fiercest player in the league. With a new jersey 24, the 5x champion had the same playing style, however, he was more mature and amiable. The legend himself once explained the meaning behind his two versions.

Kobe Bryant explains the reason jersey 24

The significance of the number 24 represented not only a moment of evolution for Kobe but also a return to his basketball roots.

“Then 24 is a growth from that. Physical attributes aren’t there the way they used to be, but the maturity level is greater. Marriage, kids. Start having a broader perspective being one of the older guys on the team now, as opposed to being the youngest. Things evolve,” Bryant once explained.

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While wearing the jersey no. 24, the champ won two titles and appeared in 10 All-Star games. Which is your favorite version of the late legend? Let us know in the comments.