Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Kobe Bryant Says Bill Russell Mentored Him About Managing Teammates
Lakers News

Kobe Bryant Says Bill Russell Mentored Him About Managing Teammates

Ramneet Singh
Published: 04/04/2016
2 Min Read
SHARE

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are bitter rivals that date back to the days of the Bill Russell-led Celtics teams squaring off against Jerry West and the Lakers. The most recent incarnation saw Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol lead the Lakers against the Celtics Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.

With decades of hatred between the two franchises, there is no love lost on either side. Nonetheless, Kobe actually credits a Celtics legend for all that he taught him about leadership. Following the Lakers’ 107-100 loss to Boston on Sunday night, Bryant talked about what Bill Russell has meant to his career.

Kobe mentioned how the great center helped him understand how to deal with teammates and what it takes to get everyone on the same page, via L.A. Daily News’ Mark Medina.

Kobe praised Bill Russell's mentorship on how to manage his teammates and understanding team dynamics

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 4, 2016

Kobe is well-known for being extremely tough on teammates and eventually had to learn how to bring them closer together and get the most out of them. There are very few who were better at that than Russell who not only was a leader for those Celtics teams but was also a player/coach.

After the Lakers defeated the Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant was rewarded the first ever Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award. Kobe guided the Lakers to a Game 7 victory at Staples Center, and he considers that one of the most important wins of his career.

Sunday night, sadly, marked the last time Bryant faced the Celtics. Kobe looked like his old self despite the loss as he tallied up 34 points including four three-pointers. Still, the Lakers could not complete the comeback in the final seconds, and late three-point miss by Bryant all but sealed the win for the Celtics.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Boston CelticsKobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers
ByRamneet Singh
Follow:
Ramneet is a Staff Writer for Lakers Nation and has been contributing his thoughts on the Lakers and the NBA since 2010. Follow Ramneet on Twitter @Ramneet24.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?