$1,207,680 Felt like Worthless Paper When Kobe Bryant Made Lakers Star Sit on the Floor

Kobe Bryant was one of the most influential players in the NBA. Known for his ‘Mamba Mentality’, the legendary guard was respected through all sporting domains and not just the NBA. One of the few players to make the jump from high school to the NBA, Kobe was always destined for greatness.

Although known for his tenacious mentality, his ‘go-hard or go-home’ approach wasn’t always welcome. Once going off on the young Lakers core, including the likes of Jeremy Lin and Nick Young, ‘The Black Mamba’ was truly a mentality monster. Although friendly and calm off the court, the same cannot be said when he was on it. Famously asking a rookie to sit on the floor during a game, the now seasoned player recently reflects back on that moment.

Larry Nance Reflects on the Floor Seat Incident

Larry Nance Jr. was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 27th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Son of legendary Cleveland Cavaliers Forward Larry Nance, he brought floor spacing and a strong post-game to the Lakers roster. Now in his 8th year in the League, Nance has become an important part of the New Orleans Pelicans organization as he continues to grow his game. While a seasoned professional now, the player wasn’t always the first name on the squad sheet.

During his first NBA season, the 6’8 center was lucky enough to have played beside Kobe Bryant. The then rookie had an interesting interaction with Bean who made the young player sit on the floor when he didn’t get a seat for himself.

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Calling the gesture a sign of respect at first, Nance later revealed that it made his $1,207,680 contract feel like “worthless paper“. The internet-famous interaction garnered many views and showed what respect was to Kobe.

Kobe Bryant’s Legacy

Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23rd, 1978, in Philadelphia. Son of former NBA player Joe Bryant, Kobe was raised in Italy. Returning to the United States a few years later, he enrolled at Lower Merion High School and directly made the jump to NBA basketball. Drafted as the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Bryant went on to play 20 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 2016.

A 5x NBA champion Kobe wore the numbers 8 and 24 during his time with the Lakers. The 2x NBA finals MVP also made 18 all-star appearances winning MVP in 4 of those matchups. Away from the court, Kobe was a businessman, father, husband, and friend who was always there for his loved ones. This was seen when the former league MVP helped his fellow teammate with millions to pay of his addiction.

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What do you think of Kobe’s gesture to Larry Nance Jr.?