Former Trainer Tim Grover Explains How He Started Working With Lakers’ Legend Kobe Bryant

The NBA has seen its fair share of superstars in its long illustrious history. But when it comes to the greatest players and competitors, two names stand out – Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

MJ and Kobe were on a different level of competitiveness and wanted to become the best at any cost. Be it pushing their teammates or pushing themselves, the Mamba and Jordan were driven towards success.

Tim Grover shares the story of how he started working with Kobe Bryant

Even though they were two of the most gifted athletes in the NBA, both Jordan and Kobe always wanted to reach newer heights and achieve more success. One of the key figures who helped them do this was trainer Tim Grover.

The veteran trainer was the one who helped Jordan become a physical specimen in the 90s. So it was fitting that he trained MJ’s disciple as well and help him achieve new heights.

In a recent appearance on Undisputed, the veteran trainer revealed how he started working with Bryant. Grover said, “In 2007 Kobe actually reached out to Michael and said, ‘listen, I’m having a lot of issues with my knees and he goes you got any recommendation?’ And Michael said, ‘listen this is not what I do, but I’m not using Grover anymore.’ He said, ‘Why don’t you give him a call?'”

Grover also revealed that during MJ’s playing days, the basketball legend wouldn’t let him work with anyone else. Grover said, “It was funny because when Michael was playing, he would always say, ‘listen I don’t pay Grover to train me. I pay him not to train anybody else.'”

The veteran trainer added, “You know the relationship and the work ethic that MJ saw in Kobe. He said, ‘This would be a perfect fit.’…’Why don’t you give him a try?’ I flew out to LA. We talked about some things and he explained to me what was going on. He introduced me to the members of his personal performance team and we made some adjustments there.”

The results were understandably outstanding, to say the least. Getting two more championships and two more Olympic gold medals working with Grover, ‘Black Mamba‘ capped his amazing career off with five NBA championships, making him one of the greatest to ever play the game.