My Favorite Kobe Bryant Story Involves Kobe & Gilbert Arenas On A Plane, Says NBA Champion
Monday was Kobe Bryant’s birthday, and people worldwide were sharing stories about the NBA legend. An Instagram Live featuring Ryan Hollins, Brendan Haywood, Scott O’Gallagher, and Bobby Maximus on Tuesday afternoon.
NBA TV analyst Brendan Haywood shared a story of Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas’ interaction on a plane back in 2006 after Arenas torched Bryant and the Lakers for 60 points.
“My best Kobe experience personally was when Gilbert Arenas were yapping at Kobe on a plane after he dropped 60 in Los Angeles. And told Kobe is if you are the Black Mama, I am the ‘Black Mongoose’ and Kobe sample said I am going to remember that,” said Haywood.
“Two months later, make sure come guard me the way I’m going to guard you. The next game we played him, he didn’t shake anyone’s hand and slapped Gilbert hard on the butt and walked over to him and said remember you asked for this.”
The Los Angeles Lakers would win the game 118-102 on February 3, 2007. Arenas had 37 points, five rebounds, and four assists, and Kobe Bryant finished with 39 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angles Lakers would make the playoffs, but would lose in five games against Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
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