Reaching Out to Kobe Bryant Felt Like Texting a Girl for the First Time, NBA-All Star Recalls

Kobe Bryant played his last NBA game in 2016. After he retired from the league, players across the NBA wanted to work out with the Los Angeles Lakers legend and learn from him. One of the first people who was fortunate to get this opportunity was Gordon Hayward, who played for the Utah Jazz at the time.

Although Kobe and Hayward had shared the court before, Hayward was extremely anxious before asking Kobe if he could have a session with him. In a recent episode of Podcast P, Gordon Hayward revealed how he found the courage to send the text to Kobe.

“I was at my boy’s wedding in Newport, and Kobe had just retired, and we were just sitting there talking like me and the fellas, and it was mentioned that he lived around that area. And I was like, ‘Man, wouldn’t it be dope like if I could work out with Kobe?'” Upon his friend’s encouragement, he mustered up the courage to leave the veteran a text. But he added, “And now I’m getting nervous, like I’m texting a girl or something,” said the former NBA All-Star.

Kobe Bryant was a focused individual. Although almost everyone admired his work ethic and talent, on the court, Kobe never showed kindness to his opponents. So even for Hayward, who had been in the NBA for over 6 years at the time, it still felt extremely awkward to request something from the Black Mamba.

But in the end, it worked out well for Hayward, as Kobe responded and agreed to work out with him. Kobe Bryant also shared his workout routine and sets with Hayward, and eventually Hayward went on to become an All-Star for the first time in the 2016-17 season.

Kobe Bryant made players better even without trying

LaMarcus Aldridge recently revealed his story of being around Kobe in Newport. As Aldridge also lived there for a few years, he got plenty of opportunities to interact with Kobe.

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Aldridge revealed that there was more than one way in which Kobe helped others get better. Training with him is one thing, but oftentimes players played extra hard when they were going up against Kobe. They didn’t want to disappoint and embarrass themselves in front of Kobe, so players would always be extra focused whenever they were playing the Lakers.

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What do you think of Gordon Hayward working out with Kobe Bryant? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!