Sebastian Telfair entered the NBA eight years after Kobe Bryant as the 13th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. Telfair and Bryant were friends growing up, and despite never playing on the same team, they remained friendly even when they both made it to the league. But there was something Telfair was not aware of about the Black Mamba.

Making an appearance on VladTV, former NBA player Sebastian Telfair discussed his relationship with Smush Parker and some of his experiences with the late Kobe Bryant. He revealed, “I knew Kobe since I was like 13. I got pictures of Kobe holding me like this [arm over the shoulder] when he first got to the NBA.” However, the story of the intense dislike between the Los Angeles Lakers legend and Smush Parker was a mystery to Sebastian.

There were particularly two incidents that the host brought up during the discussion. The first was when the 5x NBA Champion would call Parker the “worst teammate he’s ever had” and that “he shouldn’t have been in the NBA but the Lakers were too cheap to sign a point guard.” 

The other is a rather infamous story. When the point guard approached him, Bryant rebuffed him with a harsh critique of his career. “You can’t talk to me. You need more accolades under your belt before you come talk to me.” Listening to this Telfair shared his disappointment in his fellow New York City basketball player’s treatment by the Lakers. The story only brought one word out of his friend: “Whoa.” 

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Despite their intense bond that led to a life-altering lesson for the former Minnesota Timberwolves veteran, this equation remains a mystery to him.

Sebastian offers a possible explanation for Kobe Bryant not liking Smush

Telfair said, “I don’t know why he disrespects Smush like that.” According to Telfair, you always had to wait for the 2008 NBA MVP to begin the conversation. “So, I guess that was Smush’s problem. You gotta wait till he come to you.” 

The two always shared a close bond with the ex-NBA star revealing Kobe gave him the “Be great” advice during a setback in his career. While he did not ultimately mend fences with Parker, Kobe did find some semblance of balance in the situation.

Once the 2002 draftee left, the team rattled off three straight trips to the Finals alongside Pau Gasol with The Mamba winning his fourth and fifth chips in the process.

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