Kobe Bryant’s Come Up with Darius Miles and QRich | Knuckleheads S2: Ep 1 | The Players’ Tribune

Season 2 is finally here! Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles returns in a huge way, with Kobe Bryant, aka “the Mamba,” joining the fellas. The three get right down to business, with Kobe talking about being the first guard to jump to the NBA straight out of high school, as well as about draft night — specifically how the Hornets pissed him off before trading him to the Lakers. He then describes what it was like to be a teenager in a “grown man’s” league and how, in the long run, that was crucial to his success. The guys then ask him about his first All-Star Game, when he went up against MJ, and when Western Conference coach George Karl benched him for the entire fourth quarter. Kobe would go on to use Karl’s snub for years as a motivator whenever L.A. faced the Nuggets in the playoffs. “The Black Bruce Wayne” also explains how he developed his arsenal of basketball weapons, and how he matured into “the baddest man on the planet.” Kobe then discusses why he switched from wearing number 8 to number 24 — and why it was so important to him. And remember the time Kobe had 61 at the Garden? Well, it didn’t just happen. He says there was a reason he needed to go off like that, and divulges how that performance was crucial to the Lakers’ success the rest of that season. He then talks about teaching his daughter the game, and how cool it has been for him to coach her team. Finally, Kobe touches on battling through injuries and gives advice to anyone going through physical rehab. You won’t hear a more unfiltered version of Kobe anywhere! Season 2. Live now!