Throughout Kobe Bryant’s final and last season, it was filled with plenty of ups and downs. However, Kobe ended his career with a bang after dropping 60 points on Gordon Hayward and the Utah Jazz.
Following Kobe’s magical ending, in an attempt to improve his game, Hayward decided to reach out to Kobe. The Mamba is known for having one of the best mid-range games of all-time, so it makes sense from Hayward’s standpoint.
“I wanted to see: Am I doing it right every single time?” Hayward said. “I think there is a still a big leap for me, and I want to get that out of myself. I couldn’t do the same stuff I’ve been doing every summer. I wanted to be uncomfortable.”
Hayward spent a week with Bryant in Newport Beach.
“He’s one of the best to ever do it,” Hayward said, “and it was one of my best weeks ever.”
On the season, Hayward is averaging 22.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.