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via Getty

via Getty

Kobe Bryant stayed true to his love for basketball like no other athlete in the NBA. The five-time NBA champ changed the way athletes perceived their approach to performance on the court by expressing his total dedication and constant efforts to make himself better with each passing day. Even the great Michael Jordan was known for his love for junk food and cigars during his early days. However, Kobe Bryant never looked for an escape or lost the zeal to compete during his 20-season-long career, making him one of the greatest athletes ever. Recently, millionaire Ant-Man actor and star rapper, T.I., shared a baffling Kobe Bryant smoking story that is a perfect example of his Mamba mentality.

Three-time Grammy winner T.I. recently joined Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes at Showtime’s All The Smoke. The $60 million worth rapper recently shared a story about the time when Kobe Bryant came to his studio. However, his dedication to becoming better left T.I. in awe of the NBA legend’s commitment.

Kobe Bryant once left T.I. shocked

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In the recent iteration of All The Smoke podcast, T.I. revealed that Kobe Bryant visited his studio in Atlanta once with the rapper’s then-manager Gee Roberson, who was quite close to the two-time Finals MVP. Moreover, the 42-year-old stated that he tried to mess with Bryant, but the NBA Hall of Famer shot right back at him.

After that, T.I. played some songs from his then-unreleased album, ‘The Trouble Man’ for Kobe. Moreover, the Ant-Man and the Wasp star stated, “We vibed that. Me and Mike were smoking big. Kobe was just in there motherfu**er trying to not get in contact I mean and when he left there, I was like sh*t what you gonna do. He said, ‘sh*t I’m gonna go to the gym.’ I said, ‘what? It was two in the morning.”

READ MORE: WATCH: Kobe Bryant Sharing His Greatness With Dwyane Wade’s Son Zaire and Chris Paul Jr at 2016 NBA All Star Game

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T.I. stated that he and his friend were smoking, and Kobe tried his best to avoid the smoke. Moreover, the Los Angeles  Lakers legend shockingly decided to hit the gym at two in the morning, leaving the star rapper stunned.In addition, T.I. also admitted that the incident took his respect for Kobe Bryant to the next level.

T. I. intrigued by Bryant’s mamba mentality

During the conversations, T.I. stressed that Kobe Bryant’s level of dedication left him fascinated. His commitment to the game brought a heartfelt reaction from the renowned actor. 

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Watch this story: Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard–All The Coaches And Players Shaquille O’Neal Had Feuds With

T.I. stated, “I just developed a whole another level of respect for him, cause you can’t take anything away from his accolades and the things he’s achieved. But just for me to see firsthand, the level of commitment and sacrifice that we’re into this things become impossible. And it was a joy to behold.”