Kobe Bryant: Three decades of cold blooded, venomous, trash talk and going straight for the jugular.
A thread.
A thread.
Welcome to the third and final entry in my 'Trash Talk' series. Three years ago I commenced these threaded tales with a deep dive into Michael Jordan's verbal eviscerations, so it's only fitting and poetic that I end the trilogy with Kobe.
Throughout his career, Kobe was never one to shy away from a verbal stoush or letting some expletives fly in the direction of an opponent or his teammates. Kobe is an interesting case study, as he came into the league when talking shit was still somewhat tolerated and allowed.
In recent years trash talk has fizzled out. Despite less chirping, like a dog at bone, Kobe never let it go. Not only using it to his advantage on the court as a weapon of psychological warfare, but also in the media and as a tool for self-motivation.
The thread will span at least 34 tweets (8 + 24 + 2), as I take you on a journey of some his well known jawing moments, plus some of the more obscure tales thrown in for good measure. From MJ to Bron, A.I. to Steph, no one was spared the wrath of the Black Mamba.
Let's begin...
Let's begin...
Circa 1994-95
Victim: Willie Burton.
Kobe's time at Lower Marion already had his name in the news and his star rising. He was going against NBA talent on the regular in work outs and scrimmages. This is but one tale from @lazenby's bestseller Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant.
Victim: Willie Burton.
Kobe's time at Lower Marion already had his name in the news and his star rising. He was going against NBA talent on the regular in work outs and scrimmages. This is but one tale from @lazenby's bestseller Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant.
May 6, 1996.
"I Kobe Bryant have decided to take my talents to urrr.."
Long before King James stated his desired move to South Beach, an extremely confident teenager was smirking his way to the league in what was a bold and daring move in that era of the NBA.
"I Kobe Bryant have decided to take my talents to urrr.."
Long before King James stated his desired move to South Beach, an extremely confident teenager was smirking his way to the league in what was a bold and daring move in that era of the NBA.
July, 1999.
“I don’t think he made another basket after that.”
Victim: @MathewKnowles
When Beyoncé's dad shared this one sided video last year of him showing up Bean, there was no way we weren't getting a vintage Vino response.
H/T: @FOXSports
“I don’t think he made another basket after that.”
Victim: @MathewKnowles
When Beyoncé's dad shared this one sided video last year of him showing up Bean, there was no way we weren't getting a vintage Vino response.
H/T: @FOXSports
June 14, 2000.
Game 4, NBA Finals.
This story from one of the elite trash talkers of all time is a goodun. I'll let @ReggieMillerTNT tell it and watch to the end.
H/T: @dpshow
Game 4, NBA Finals.
This story from one of the elite trash talkers of all time is a goodun. I'll let @ReggieMillerTNT tell it and watch to the end.
H/T: @dpshow
Circa 2001
Victim: Isaiah Rider.
"J.R. would shit-talk to Kobe. Every practice, it was MF this, MF that. He would say “Get your ass back in the kitchen.” - Horace Grant.
Bad idea. Kobe destroyed him in a now infamous practice session.
H/T: @LakersWorld_16/@redapples
Victim: Isaiah Rider.
"J.R. would shit-talk to Kobe. Every practice, it was MF this, MF that. He would say “Get your ass back in the kitchen.” - Horace Grant.
Bad idea. Kobe destroyed him in a now infamous practice session.
H/T: @LakersWorld_16/@redapples
More on that here in this must read article from @PlayersTribune. theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles…
June 10, 2001.
"We're going to cut your hearts out Wednesday."
Target: Unknown
Victims: The entire city of Philadelphia.
H/T: @SmallTerp/@DickJerardi
"We're going to cut your hearts out Wednesday."
Target: Unknown
Victims: The entire city of Philadelphia.
H/T: @SmallTerp/@DickJerardi
All-Star Weekend, 2003.
"Michael and I both know, there are certain players we can intimidate."
He wasn't wrong. On this occasion, Bryant got one up on his old friend, helping lead the West to a double OT win putting up 22, 7, 6 and 3 steals along the way.
"Michael and I both know, there are certain players we can intimidate."
He wasn't wrong. On this occasion, Bryant got one up on his old friend, helping lead the West to a double OT win putting up 22, 7, 6 and 3 steals along the way.
March 28, 2003.
Victim: Michael Jordan
These two combatants meet again after MJ had hit Kobe with a killer line, Kobe leaves bitter and comes back with a vengeance to the tune of 55 points (42 in the first half) nine three-pointers and a win in LA.
H/T: No Chill Gil Podcast
Victim: Michael Jordan
These two combatants meet again after MJ had hit Kobe with a killer line, Kobe leaves bitter and comes back with a vengeance to the tune of 55 points (42 in the first half) nine three-pointers and a win in LA.
H/T: No Chill Gil Podcast
October, 2004.
"I'm going to bust your ass."
Target: Ray Allen
Already with some bad blood between them over the span of their careers, things came to head in 2004. From on court animosity to voice mail messages, this one has it all.
H/T: @SBNation
"I'm going to bust your ass."
Target: Ray Allen
Already with some bad blood between them over the span of their careers, things came to head in 2004. From on court animosity to voice mail messages, this one has it all.
H/T: @SBNation
Jan 6, 2006
"Tell Dre 50 tonight"
Victim: @andre
Having @TeamLou23 pass on his prophetic message is as cold as it gets. According to Basketball Reference though, Kobe actually finished with 48 points. Added to that he went 7 of 7 from long range and grabbed 10 boards.
Nasty.
"Tell Dre 50 tonight"
Victim: @andre
Having @TeamLou23 pass on his prophetic message is as cold as it gets. According to Basketball Reference though, Kobe actually finished with 48 points. Added to that he went 7 of 7 from long range and grabbed 10 boards.
Nasty.
April 23, 2008.
"Better learn not to talk to me. You shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out."
Victim: @TheRealJRSmith
Those were the choice words Kobe reserved for Smith after the 122-109 Game 2 victory over the Nugs. KB also left them with 49 and 10 dimes.
H/T: @jadande
"Better learn not to talk to me. You shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out."
Victim: @TheRealJRSmith
Those were the choice words Kobe reserved for Smith after the 122-109 Game 2 victory over the Nugs. KB also left them with 49 and 10 dimes.
H/T: @jadande
March 11, 2009.
"What? I'm not ready for you? You're a stand-up comedian now?"
Victim: Ron Artest
The audacity. Kobe would have the last laugh tho. He finished with 37 points, 5 boards, 6 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks and the W.
"What? I'm not ready for you? You're a stand-up comedian now?"
Victim: Ron Artest
The audacity. Kobe would have the last laugh tho. He finished with 37 points, 5 boards, 6 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks and the W.
March 7, 2010.
'No flinching.GIF'
Victim: @Matt_Barnes22
We all know this and love it. I also don't care that it was debunked much later, so don't bother crashing my mentions with that noise. Kobe finished with 34, 7 and 7 on the night, Barnes walked away with the win.
'No flinching.GIF'
Victim: @Matt_Barnes22
We all know this and love it. I also don't care that it was debunked much later, so don't bother crashing my mentions with that noise. Kobe finished with 34, 7 and 7 on the night, Barnes walked away with the win.
March 15, 2010.
Target: Steph Curry
The day a rookie Steph received a death stare from the Mamba and lived to tell the tale.
H/T: @SkipperClay
Target: Steph Curry
The day a rookie Steph received a death stare from the Mamba and lived to tell the tale.
H/T: @SkipperClay
June 17, 2010.
"One more than Shaq."
Target: His former Laker teammate.
With his daughters sitting proudly on his lap and fresh off claiming his fifth NBA title, Kobe sends a little shot at his friend and verbal sparring partner for old times sake.
"One more than Shaq."
Target: His former Laker teammate.
With his daughters sitting proudly on his lap and fresh off claiming his fifth NBA title, Kobe sends a little shot at his friend and verbal sparring partner for old times sake.
October 2, 2010.
"Who would win a 1 on 1 between you and LeBron?"
During a Q&A at the launch of London School of Basketball, Kobe fields this burning question. His answer might shock you.
H/T: @Hoopsfix
"Who would win a 1 on 1 between you and LeBron?"
During a Q&A at the launch of London School of Basketball, Kobe fields this burning question. His answer might shock you.
H/T: @Hoopsfix
July, 2011.
"Easy money"
Victim: Bow Wow
Fortunately Jermaine Dupri had cameras with him the day Kobe absolutely owned @smoss and took a thousand dollars from him like stealing candy from a baby.
"Easy money"
Victim: Bow Wow
Fortunately Jermaine Dupri had cameras with him the day Kobe absolutely owned @smoss and took a thousand dollars from him like stealing candy from a baby.
Circa 2011-12
Target: @KendrickPerkins
Tough to pin down the actual game in question as OKC faced off against the Lakers a few times that season and in the Playoffs, regardless, the Mamba's bite was as deadly as usual.
Best we let Perk tell it.
Target: @KendrickPerkins
Tough to pin down the actual game in question as OKC faced off against the Lakers a few times that season and in the Playoffs, regardless, the Mamba's bite was as deadly as usual.
Best we let Perk tell it.
January 22, 2012.
Victim: Paul George
@Yg_Trece shared this doozy of a story from his rookie season with Complex a while back. Kobe hung 33, 8 and 4 on the Pacers that evening. I've added some highlights from the game for your viewing pleasure.
H/T: @MackStern24
Victim: Paul George
@Yg_Trece shared this doozy of a story from his rookie season with Complex a while back. Kobe hung 33, 8 and 4 on the Pacers that evening. I've added some highlights from the game for your viewing pleasure.
H/T: @MackStern24
January 29, 2012.
"I win, I get the keys of Barcelona."
Victims: The entire country of Spain.
After he delivered the Wolves an L and notched 35 points (5/9 from 3) and 14 boards, Kobe chimed in on a convo between @paugasol and @rickyrubio9.
I hope you paid your bet, Ricky.
"I win, I get the keys of Barcelona."
Victims: The entire country of Spain.
After he delivered the Wolves an L and notched 35 points (5/9 from 3) and 14 boards, Kobe chimed in on a convo between @paugasol and @rickyrubio9.
I hope you paid your bet, Ricky.
Feb 24, 2012.
"Maybe one day they'll be able to sit at my lunch table."
The targets: @JHarden13 & Kevin Durant.
Things get a little spicy late in this blowout OKC win. Roll the game tape and then reminisce with @KDTrey5.
H/T: @jose3030/@HoopJab
"Maybe one day they'll be able to sit at my lunch table."
The targets: @JHarden13 & Kevin Durant.
Things get a little spicy late in this blowout OKC win. Roll the game tape and then reminisce with @KDTrey5.
H/T: @jose3030/@HoopJab
October 11, 2012.
The snake bit victims: His present and former teammates.
Ooh boy was Kobe was on a roll this this day. Former whipping boy Smush Parker got served and it appears that @Jmeeks20 clearly needed to suit up in a flame retardant uniform for those practices.
The snake bit victims: His present and former teammates.
Ooh boy was Kobe was on a roll this this day. Former whipping boy Smush Parker got served and it appears that @Jmeeks20 clearly needed to suit up in a flame retardant uniform for those practices.
November 20, 2012.
"I bet I make this, bitch"
The abused: Gerald Wallace
Betting with the Mamba usually ended badly. I can't confirm the captions in the video are accurate, but I do know Kobe finished with 25, 4 and 5 and walked away with the victory.
"I bet I make this, bitch"
The abused: Gerald Wallace
Betting with the Mamba usually ended badly. I can't confirm the captions in the video are accurate, but I do know Kobe finished with 25, 4 and 5 and walked away with the victory.
Dec 22, 2012
Victim: Draymond Green
"Sit down!"
Dray's tale of fail is a good one, but according to @bball_ref, he never played against Kobe in his sophomore year (Bryant was injured for majority of the year). I believe it was on this date in his rookie year.
H/T: @samalipour
Victim: Draymond Green
"Sit down!"
Dray's tale of fail is a good one, but according to @bball_ref, he never played against Kobe in his sophomore year (Bryant was injured for majority of the year). I believe it was on this date in his rookie year.
H/T: @samalipour
January 17, 2013.
"What does he want, a cookie for that?
Target: LeBron James
Awww how sweet. Kobe wasn't here for the bullshit, especially the super team Heatles era LeBron's.
"What does he want, a cookie for that?
Target: LeBron James
Awww how sweet. Kobe wasn't here for the bullshit, especially the super team Heatles era LeBron's.
Jan 18, 2013.
In his sights: T-Mac/LeBron
In a wide ranging interview for ESPN the magazine, Kobe opined on everything from MJ to the film Django Unchanged. It's the takedowns we're here for tho and he didn't disappoint, doubling down on the 1 v 1 debate.
H/T: @ChrisPalmerNBA
In his sights: T-Mac/LeBron
In a wide ranging interview for ESPN the magazine, Kobe opined on everything from MJ to the film Django Unchanged. It's the takedowns we're here for tho and he didn't disappoint, doubling down on the 1 v 1 debate.
H/T: @ChrisPalmerNBA
Feb 25, 2013.
Target: @mcuban
After the Mavericks owner suggested the Lakers amnesty their franchise player, Vino responded with a win over Cuban's team and not only dropped 38, 12 and 7 on 'em, but also this vintage tweet that only gets better with time.
Target: @mcuban
After the Mavericks owner suggested the Lakers amnesty their franchise player, Vino responded with a win over Cuban's team and not only dropped 38, 12 and 7 on 'em, but also this vintage tweet that only gets better with time.
July 2, 2014.
Target: Charlotte Hornets
Kobe truly embraced the savage lands of twitter and this shot fired at the team that drafted him two decades prior is another fine example.
Target: Charlotte Hornets
Kobe truly embraced the savage lands of twitter and this shot fired at the team that drafted him two decades prior is another fine example.
Oct 28, 2014.
"You soft, motherf__ker"
Target: Dwight Howard
Words flying, elbows flying, there was certainly no love lost between these former teammates at the time. As you'll see in the NSFW clip below, Kobe gave Dwight a piece of his mind.
H/T: @s_universal
"You soft, motherf__ker"
Target: Dwight Howard
Words flying, elbows flying, there was certainly no love lost between these former teammates at the time. As you'll see in the NSFW clip below, Kobe gave Dwight a piece of his mind.
H/T: @s_universal
December 12, 2014.
"Soft like Charmin."
Targets: @NickSwagyPYoung,
the 2014-15 Lakers second unit and former GM Mitch Kupchak.
The heated practice seen around the world. Swaggy P got Kobe fired up when he spouted "Nobody in the world can guard me one on one".
"Soft like Charmin."
Targets: @NickSwagyPYoung,
the 2014-15 Lakers second unit and former GM Mitch Kupchak.
The heated practice seen around the world. Swaggy P got Kobe fired up when he spouted "Nobody in the world can guard me one on one".
December 27, 2014.
'Count 'em.'
Target: Heckler
When a Mavericks fan yelled "HEY KOBE, YOU SUCK!", the injured Laker sitting courtside turned around and without even uttering a single word put the fan right back in his place.
'Count 'em.'
Target: Heckler
When a Mavericks fan yelled "HEY KOBE, YOU SUCK!", the injured Laker sitting courtside turned around and without even uttering a single word put the fan right back in his place.
Nov 8, 2015
"That ain't no f__king triangle that's a square."
Victims: Spike Lee and the Knicks.
As someone knowledgeable and adept in the Triangle Offense, Kobe's critical assessment of what the Knicks were trying to do was savage AF.
H/T: @tbarbs13
"That ain't no f__king triangle that's a square."
Victims: Spike Lee and the Knicks.
As someone knowledgeable and adept in the Triangle Offense, Kobe's critical assessment of what the Knicks were trying to do was savage AF.
H/T: @tbarbs13
December 7, 2015.
"I don't really care about any of 'em"
Targets: The 449 other players that make up rosters during a regular NBA season.
Compliments from his NBA peers? Fuckouttahere. Kobe wasn't here for that noise.
"I don't really care about any of 'em"
Targets: The 449 other players that make up rosters during a regular NBA season.
Compliments from his NBA peers? Fuckouttahere. Kobe wasn't here for that noise.
March 1, 2018
God Mode activated.
@WayneEllington's tale of Kobe informing his teammate Jeremy Lin there's a higher power is one for the ages.
H/T: @LawMurrayTheNU
God Mode activated.
@WayneEllington's tale of Kobe informing his teammate Jeremy Lin there's a higher power is one for the ages.
H/T: @LawMurrayTheNU
October 26, 2018.
"Instead, I had to torch him"
Victim: Ruben "The Kobe stopper" Patterson.
Kobe speaking on how he could have aided his old teammate is an uncut gem.
"Instead, I had to torch him"
Victim: Ruben "The Kobe stopper" Patterson.
Kobe speaking on how he could have aided his old teammate is an uncut gem.
Dec 4, 2018
“We’ll be champions again before you know it. And we’ll be laughing in the faces of all those Warriors fans who came out of nowhere.”
Speaking at the Lakers All-Access event, Kobe licks off a shot in the direction of bandwagon Dubs fans.
H/T: @kylegoon
“We’ll be champions again before you know it. And we’ll be laughing in the faces of all those Warriors fans who came out of nowhere.”
Speaking at the Lakers All-Access event, Kobe licks off a shot in the direction of bandwagon Dubs fans.
H/T: @kylegoon
We all enjoyed watching Kobe trash talking @luka7doncic in his native tongue a little while back. Here's a bonus clip of the Mamba swearing in Croatian and Bosnian.
