Demar Derozan spoke about how Kobe Bryant is mentally prepared during the NBA game.
Kobe Bryant may be the most enduring person the sport of basketball has ever seen. The five-time NBA champion is the most respected by both fans and players to this day.
Kobe Bryant appeared alongside the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal. The pair led the team to three consecutive NBA championships between 2000 and 2002.
After Shaq’s departure, Bryant emerged as a terrifying NBA superstar. Over the years he developed a reputation as an elite competitor.
Kobe has become known for his “Mamba Mentality.” This is a mantra that will never be synonymous with him for the rest of his career.
Even superstars like Stephen Curry felt the presence of Kobe Bryant during the showdown. And now, Demar Derozan gives fans a glimpse into what it’s like to play against Bryant.
Demar Derozan appeared on the Brooklyn Podcast at 7pm for Carmelo Anthony. When discussing how Kobe Bryant approached the game, Derozan did not refrain.
He explained that Kobe was incredibly cynical and almost quickly softened. But it was a way of motivating himself to play at the highest level possible.
“Kobe was the type to say some s***, and you’ll be like, ‘What?’ Remember the Kanye commercial he was in?
“There was a time when I was working out. I was like, ‘f***! But I just go with it. Something by chance might happen.
“He plays mind games from that type of perspective. As for a lot of s***, that was great about him. It showed how cynical he is.
“If he could take the place where he had brought something, it would be beneficial. It was the oddest thing. Bro sometimes put a 10 on a 5.
Speaking further about Bryant, Delozan reflected on when he and Rudy Gay were playing against Bryant. After Gay accidentally contacted him, Bryant reacted strangely.
“We remember playing Kobe. Rudy hit an S*** from Kobe. He’s hanging out in his face. He’s on the free throw line. Rudy says, “Are you good, god?”
“Kobe said, “What! Don’t humiliate me, m******” I said, “Would you say anything to him?” To him, he is making himself mental. ”
Bryant really did everything with his power to try and make his enemy an enemy. And considering how his career unfolds, it’s hard to resist success.