Kobe Bryant isn’t exactly known for taking rookies under his wing (we feel for you, D’Angelo) – so this next story may surprise some people.
The Black Mamba recently revealed that he reached out and gave Jahlil Okafor his number during the Laker’s only trip to Philadelphia this season.
“I talked to him a little bit on the court, briefly in the weight room, and a little bit after the game,” Bryant told NJ.com’s Randy Miller.
“My phone line’s always open to have a conversation or to sit around and break bread and talk about basketball or talk about whatever.”
Okafor has recently been in the news for his nightlife, rather than his basketball prowess, and Kobe apparently felt the need to reach out to the gifted big man. Given Okafor’s high draft position at such a young age, Kobe likely relates to some of the pressure this man is feeling.
One thing that he admits he can’t relate to, however, is how these young superstars live their lives in such a technologically advanced era.
“Everybody has a camera with a camera phone,” he said. “You pick up on mistakes a lot more now than you would in the past. Not to say some of the heroes that have played here before haven’t made those same mistakes, but it’s just now the content gets captured so quickly.”
All in all, Kobe had a very intimate return to Philly; and he evidently felt the need to spread more of his wisdom one last time.
It’d be wise for Jahlil to take him up on his offer.
H/T TheScore