Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

Kobe Bryant is not considered a huge trash talker, while legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and so forth are considered some of the best ever. However, that does not mean Bryant did not use mind games. In fact, when his mind games were on point, he didn’t need to utter words to shatter his opponents. If Kobe’s fearless and intimidating demeanor didn’t break his rival, his tricks did. A video clip of the Los Angeles Lakers legend explaining one such strategy resurfaced after Jaylen Brown signed his massive extension. And the plan could help Celtics’ opponents.

Notably, Brown recently signed a five-year $304 contract extension with the Boston Celtics. This is the biggest contract in the history of the league. However, this puts more pressure on the team to win after last year’s disappointing Conference Finals.

The “Divide and Conquer” strategy of Kobe Bryant

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Jaylen Brown had an average outing in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. According to ESPN, Brown averaged 19 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Despite this, the Celtics have shown immense belief in their star with a record contract extension. Several fans also criticized him for his decision-making under pressure as he turned the ball over repeatedly.

USA Today via Reuters

However, this begs the question: Does Jayson Tatum deserve a bigger extension next year? Notably, Tatum had a better regular season and postseason as well.

Interestingly, the contract situation of the two Celtics superstars could end up giving the upper hand to their opponents thanks to Kobe Bryant. After Brown’s extension, a video clip of Bryant dividing teammates based on contracts resurfaced on social media. The five-time NBA champion talked about his and the Lakers’ mind game for certain teams during his time in the NBA.

Bryant said, “Im saying, ‘Okay, this is what we’re gonna do. We’re going to double-team the guy that hasn’t got the max contract yet. We’re not going to let him get a shot off. Then we’re gonna single cover the guy that has the max contract. And then watch the guy that doesn’t have the max contract b*tch and complain about not getting the ball all night long. And just watch them divide each other.'”

READ MORE – LA Dodgers Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Mamba Legacy 4 Weeks After Bestowing Top Recognition on Billionaire LeBron James

The Black Mamba had a hilariously wicked laugh after explaining this as well. Kobe added that these were the subtle things he used to do that comes from observing and understanding his opponents. One fan commented, “Ppl Gone do that Jaylen and Tatum lol”.

Fans astonished by Kobe Bryant’s mind game

Fans went wild after watching the resurfaced video clip of Kobe Bryant. Many flooded the comment section and praised his intelligence. Here are some reactions:

“That’s diabolically clever”

“Master of his craft”

“This dude always hunting for edge”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“Bean really was a genius man 😂😂”

“This is art of war on a basketball court. Kobe was just too cold..”

“I love it, divide and conquer at its finest”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY – $304,000,000 Celtics Deal Set to Bring a “Black Wall Street” in Boston?

What do you think? Would this Mamba strategy work on the young Celtics duo?