NBA star Kobe Bryant plays for the Los Angeles Lakers as shooting guard. (Photo : Instagram/Kobe Bryant)
"That's Kobe," was all Los Angeles Lakers rookie, D'Angelo Russell, could say about Kobe Bryant, who is just entered his 20th NBA training camp.
The product of Ohio State University was left in awe after seeing Bryant's legendary work ethic firsthand at the University of Hawaii's Stan Sheriff Center.
"That's where the tough fourth quarter, overtime buckets that he makes come from," Russell said about Kobe. "He's the first one here. He might be fooling us all with the sling (ice pack) on his shoulder. As soon as we all leave he might get some more (baskets)."
It was like the first day of school for Russell who said he didn't actually sleep well the night before in anticipation of his first NBA training camp with no less than Kobe Bryant.
However, the former Buckeye knows that in order to squeeze as much basketball knowledge from one of the best to ever play the game, he must first set aside the astonishment of being with the Laker legend.
Russell claimed: "If we want to be the best we can be, we've got to look at him as a mentor, not look at him as a fan."
On the other hand, Kobe Bryant sees some distinguishing qualities from the 2nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
"He's very calm under duress," Bryant spoke about Russell. "Doesn't really seem fazed by much."
In addition to staying healthy and finish what could be his 20th and final season in the league, one of Kobe's major objectives is to add fuel to the fire of a young Los Angeles Lakers core.
"When you have a player that loves the game, it's really just my responsibility to make sure he never loses sight of that," he stated. "Once you have that, you'll problem-solve everything. Once you stay focused on that, it's my job to keep him locked in."
Bryant even joked that his past teammates were either on the sidelines coaching or at home enjoying the fruits of their labor.
"It's a little strange to look around and see so many young guys. But at the same time you feel a great sense of responsibility and try to guide them as best as I can."
Speaking of a former Bryant teammate, Los Angeles Lakers head coach, Byron Scott, was amazed at the 2008 NBA MVP's current form.
Coach Scott practically summed up everyone's opinion about Kobe Bryant with a simple: "not surprised but... surprised."
