Kobe Bryant left no one indifferent, not even his greatest contemporaries in the NBA. For example, he left a lasting impression on the side of Paris in the memory… of Tracy McGrady, who recently revealed him to the general public!
For two and a half years and his tragic disappearance, Kobe Bryant is the subject of many anecdotes, each one more unique than the next. The latter very often illustrate his unparalleled mentality, that of the Mamba which made him famous, and which even impressed the biggest stars of his time. Tracy McGrady is well placed to know, he who rubbed shoulders with the legend of the Lakers throughout his career.
The trap set by Kobe for T-Mac in France
Passing through the waves of WFAN Sports Radio, McGrady was asked to reminisce about a fond memory he was able to share with Kobe. More specifically, he was asked for an anecdote in which Vino displayed his characteristic competitive mindset. This is good, since the seven-time All-Star had the perfect story, which took place… in Paris!
Tracy McGrady with a great Kobe story pic.twitter.com/Gu3ZMKLUrX
— Evan Roberts (@EvanRobertsWFAN) May 26, 2022
We were in Paris, and I was getting ready to go practice. He said to me, “Brother, why are you going to practice? I was like, “Man, I want to stay in shape and prepare well for the upcoming season!” He said, “It’s too early, man.” It’s the off-season! »
Indeed, these words were surprising coming from Bean. T-Mac quickly realized, however, that he was just bluffing:
He was testing me. I was like, “Yeah, okay, that’s it. I went upstairs to change, settled down a bit, and when I got to the room, who did I see all sweating and giving it their all? It was him ! I looked at him shaking my head, and I said, “Brother! Didn’t you just tell me not to practice?! »
Now that looks a lot more like Kobe. See what fuel his rival is warming up, then beat him to the room to give him a good lesson in rigor. Fortunately, McGrady knew the man well, and was not completely taken in. He was also able to learn lessons for the future:
It was the kind of psychological test that Kobe loved putting you through, and I realized that early on. I was like, “OK, I know who I’m dealing with. »
Vicelard, Kobe Bryant thus tried to dissuade Tracy McGrady from training in the middle of summer. Too smart and determined to fall into the trap, the former MIP was still the last to arrive at the hall!
