A former NBA player turned movie producer. That’s how the recently retired Gordon Hayward is embracing his life post-basketball. On Sept 27, his production company will release Notice to Quit, a film based on a father-and-daughter relationship. The movie also speaks about the work-life balance that the Indy native gave credit to Kobe Bryant for teaching him as a mentor.

Appearing on the Dan LeBatard Show, Gordon Hayward spoke about how difficult it was for him to find the balance. While being focused on basketball, he said that his wife took care of everything and credited her for it. “She was unbelievable and allowing me to, you know, kind of do my thing.” He also credited Kobe Bryant and shared the leanings.

“But what I did was, I kind of learned this from Kobe a little bit, was I got my work in super early. So I was working out at 5:00 a.m. so I could be done at 9.” Married for 10 years, Hayward is a father of 4, including 3 daughters. He continued working out early, especially in the offseason, to spend most of his time with them.

Kobe Bryant, too, after retirement, spent most of his time with his family. Charles Barkley spoke about how the Los Angeles Lakers legend almost signed for the Inside the NBA show once. However, he opted not to so that he could focus more on family time rather than promoting the show.

Post-retirement, the Black Mamba turned mentor for many NBA and WNBA players. One of them was Hayward, who would build a long-lasting bond with the Lakers legend. So much so that Kobe was just a text, call, or email away from answering. Not many people had that privilege, but it wasn’t easy for the former Utah Jazz player at the time.

Gordon Hayward got nervous before the first interaction with Kobe Bryant

He was at a wedding in New Port, and it was the year when Kobe Bryant had just retired. Hayward got to know that the 5x NBA champion resided near the area. “I was like, ‘Wouldn’t it be dope if I could work out with Kobe? Now I’m getting nervous like I’m texting a girl or something.” Expressing his genuine feelings, he asked Kobe if there was any chance of working out together. “Any time that you could give me. Like, I just want to get better, and I want to learn from you.”

They would eventually meet, and Hayward asked Kobe to send the workouts via email to practice to a t. “His weight workouts, his track workouts, his shooting workouts. And he wrote the whole thing down in an email and sent it.” Hayward continued, “And I think at the end, he said, ‘I know it’s a lot of s***, but if you’re not trying to be the best, then what the f*** are you playing for?’ And that was the way he ended it. And put ‘Kobe.’” Earlier this year, Hayward was a guest on Podcast P With Paul George.

Because of his Mamba Mentality, Kobe Bryant from afar has touched many lives. Few players and individuals got the opportunity to see what goes behind the scenes. One of the lucky people was Hayward, as he was not only able to seek professional help but personal as well.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”