JR Smith Reflects On Kobe Bryant’s Significance For Him, Lakers

The memory of the late Kobe Bryant has been extensively commemorated in the Orlando bubble both by the Los Angeles Lakers and opposing teams and players. That was particularly true Sunday, when the legendary Laker would have turned 42.

With the beginning of “Mamba Week,” many of Bryant’s former teammates, friends, and rivals have opened up on their relationship with the late five-time NBA champion who died in a helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gigi and seven other passengers in January.

Among those telling their Kobe memories is JR Smith who recalled how excited he was ahead of his first-ever game against Bryant and his Lakers, even though it did not end up well for him as a young player.

“Byron Scott was telling me, ‘Hey rook, when you get in the game, Kobe is going to take two dribbles baseline and pump fake. Just stay down’,” Smith recalled.

“I don’t think I took it as a scout. He’s got so many moves, I didn’t think he was just going to do that. Sure enough, first play of the game, two dribbles baseline, pump fake, I jump, they call a foul and he makes the shot. Within seconds I get taken out.”

Smith also remembered having intimate conversations with Bryant and the guidance the 18-time All-Star offered him both as a player and person. And he adds it is difficult to avoid an emotional whirlwind whenever the memory of the Lakers legend comes to mind.

“I woke up [Sunday] morning and saw pictures of him, I’m still in shock. He’s one of those people you thought would be here forever,” Smith said.

Despite joining L.A. only last month, Smith quickly grasped how important Bryant was, and still is, for the franchise. Having shared the same agency with Bryant at one point his rookie season, Smith created a strong bond with him the years that was only strengthened by their joint workouts in Santa Monica.

“Especially as a 2-guard, if you can model your career after anybody at that wing position, it would be a Kobe person,” Smith said. “The career, the accolades, the championships, and everything else. I look up to him just as much as I look up to Jordan.

“His mindset, his work ethic, the way he saw the game, the way he prepared for his workout was different and so special.”

Vanessa Bryant Posts Heartfelt Birthday Message To Kobe

As tributes are pouring in during “Mamba Week,” Vanessa Bryant shared an emotional Instagram note to her late husband on the day of his birthday.

The Lakers will wear the “Black Mamba” jersey during Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday to commemorate the memory of the franchise’s legend.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers End the NBA Draft by Selecting Robert Sacre of Gonzaga

With only two picks in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles…

Lakers Injury Update: Blake, Farmar, Nash All Ruled Out Tomorrow

The slew of injuries to Lakers point guards has been unlike anything…

Lakers Draft Rumors: L.A. May Attempt To Move Up In Draft, Buy Second Round Pick

The NBA Draft is finally here and the Los Angeles Lakers have the second, 27th, and 28th overall picks….

Tracy McGrady Interested in Los Angeles Relocation?

Former scoring champion and current free agent Tracy McGrady may have tipped…