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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Responds To Video That Suggests Non-Flinch Vs. Matt Barnes’ Ball Fake A Mirage
Lakers News

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Responds To Video That Suggests Non-Flinch Vs. Matt Barnes’ Ball Fake A Mirage

Corey Hansford
Published: 10/02/2018
2 Min Read
Matt Barnes, Kobe Bryant, Lakers
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One of the favorite videos to ever go around on NBA social media is the infamous moment when then-Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes pump-faked a pass right in the face of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

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A stone-faced Kobe didn’t flinch with the ball seemingly inches from his face. It served as an example as to how focused Bryant could be during a game with Barnes himself later admitting to be surprised by the lack of a reaction.

Now a new angle of the incident may have brought to light some new evidence that could help explain some things. The Daily Beast’s Timothy Burke posted video of an aerial angle of the incident, and it appears that the ball wasn’t quite as close to Kobe’s face as it appeared:

I see this is going around again today. Kobe did not flinch because he had no reason to flinch. pic.twitter.com/oi0ZVYNXIZ

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) October 2, 2018

NBA writer Chris Palmer actually spoke with Kobe about the new video and the Lakers legend brushed it off:

Just talked to Kobe a couple minutes ago about this. He hadn't heard about it yet. He wasn't worried. At all. "You gotta remember I was swaying. He did it and I didn't balk." https://t.co/8nR2wHNIX4

— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) October 2, 2018

Whether or not Barnes faked the ball directly in Kobe’s direction or not, it is clear that the ball is still extremely close to his face and most people would have had some sort of reaction, not just to keep swaying. Bryant’s non-reaction is no less impressive with this new camera view.

As Kobe put it, he didn’t balk, and over time this moment will continue to be one of the favorites of Kobe fans on social media.

Are you following us on Instagram? We’ve changed our handle to @LakersNationOfficial! Find us on Facebook at @LakersNation, and on Twitter @LakersNation.

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TAGGED:Kobe BryantLos Angeles LakersMatt Barnes
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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