“Most of You Don’t Know the Kind of Man Kobe Bryant Was”: NBA Legend Gets Real on Lakers Great’s True Nature

NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s death left a hole that can never be filled. Known for his basketball skills, work ethic, and helping personality, his passing was mourned by everyone who knew of him. He was not only a once-in-a-generation talent but also a mentor to many budding athletes, including Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The good word about him does not stop there.

Recently, an old video of Bryant resurfaced in which he was seen giving an interview to Jimmy Kimmel. The incident dates back to 2013, when he tore his Achilles tendon. Kimmel was reading one of Bryant’s motivations to himself through his diary, which only showed the grit and determination of the Mamba Mentality athlete.

Byron Scott pays tribute to Kobe Bryant

However, one thing that caught the eye of all was a comment from the Los Angeles Lakers’ former head coach, Byron Scott. Scott was reminiscing about the fine days with Bryant and how the latter was a humble human being despite being a star.

“Most you people don’t understand the type of man Kobe “bean” Bryant was. He was one of the most intelligent, articulate, most dedicated, most determined, most loving, and most selfless person that I’ve ever met.Anyone that got a chance to spend five minutes with him would understand that letter that he wrote on social media that Jimmy Kimmel read. Is Kobe to a tee,” Scott stated as he walked down the corridors of memory. 

“There aren’t too many days that he doesn’t pop into my head and bring a smile to my face. We had an unbelievable relationship that expanded 20+ years and was cut way too short. I will always love the kid that I nickname Showboat when I first met him,hurts my heart to know that I can’t call him or text him and get a response almost immediately, Kobe is one of the greatest basketball players that ever played the game, but he was also one of the greatest people. Rest in heaven, my friend you will never be forgotten,” Scott enunciated.

As per Business Insider, Scott had first met Bryant when the former was a player for the Los Angeles Lakers. As the story goes, Bryant had been traded by the Charlotte Hornets and was only 18 years old. Scott, ever since watching the 18-year-old Bryant, knew that someday he would be counted among the greats. Scott then once again met Bryant professionally when he became the coach for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2014–16.

Byron Scott and Kobe Bryant’s bond

The bond between the two was so close and beautiful that Scott was the NBA legend’s coach during his last game. Bryant scored a whopping 60 points, and that took everyone by surprise. Hence, it would be an understatement to say that Bryant’s career path was closely watched by Scott. His latest comment only solidifies this fact and brings back his memories.

Scott has maintained a close relationship with Bryant’s family even after his death. During the unveiling of Kobe’s handprints at TLC Chinese Theatre, Scott spoke highly of Bryant’s then-20-year-old daughter Natalia. “I’ve known the Bryant family all his life, basically since they’ve been together, so watching her speak today was amazing,” Scott exclaimed as per a Yahoo.

Now that Scott has once again re-ignited Kobe’s memories, fans will watch his previous games and interviews, recollecting the amazing human being that Kobe was.