Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is well known for being one of the most intense players in the history of the NBA especially when it came to his teammates. Kobe had no problem chewing out any of his teammates if he believed it was necessary and there was a time where he had to teach young Luke Walton a lesson.
Now, of course, Walton has been tasked with bringing the Lakers back to prominence with Kobe retired, but back in 2003 Walton was a rookie who made the fatal mistake of coming into practice still feeling the effects of a night out.
Walton appeared on the Open Run podcast and spoke about the lesson Kobe taught him in practice that day (as transcribed by Pro Basketball Talk):
“I probably had too much to drink the night before. So, I came in. I was a rookie. I felt good. And they could smell some alcohol on me, and Kobe informed the rest of the team that nobody was allowed to help me on defense and that I had to guard him the entire practice.
And I was laughing at first, like, “Oh, this is funny.” But in Kobe’s mind, in his eyes, it was like, “No. I see and smell weakness. I’m going to destroy you today.” And he taught me that lesson. He taught me that lesson. I mean, he probably scored 70-something in practice that day, and I’m begging for help. None of the teammates would help.
But his killer instinct and his work ethic, they’ll stick with me forever.”
Anyone who knows anything about Kobe Bryant is likely not surprised by this story as there are plenty of Kobe practice stories. Fans likely remember his ‘soft like Charmin’ rant from just a couple of years ago.
In any case, it is funny to picture poor Walton, still hungover, trying to stop a prime-Kobe and begging for help that would never come. Thankfully Walton learned his lesson and didn’t have to go through that again as Kobe would’ve had no issues making him suffer.