DeMar DeRozan Reveals How Kobe Bryant Played "Mind Games" That Left Him Stumped Many Times
DeMar DeRozan's relationship with Kobe Bryant evolved from idolization to mentorship over time. DeRozan grew up watching Bryant and eventually made him his mentor when DeRozan was drafted to the NBA in 2009.
In his recent appearance on 7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, DeRozan revealed his perspective on Kobe Bryant's game and how he left him at a loss for words with a lot of the things he said to him.
'Kobe is the type to say some sh** and you be like, 'What?' You remember the Kanye commercial he was in? And he said, 'What the f**k are you talking about?' It really be that sh** when you [face him].'
'There have been times I was working out, and I'm like, 'What the f**k are you—how? what?' But I just go along with it, but later down the line, something accidental may happen. I'm like, 'Ah, that's the sh** he was talking about.' You know what I mean?'
'Like he'll play mind games from that type of standpoint when it comes to a lot of sh**, you know what I mean? That was one thing that was great about him because it showed how cynical he was in his mind.'
'And at the same time, if you could take and kind of a little comprehend where he was coming from with something, it'll be beneficial. You know what I mean? And that was one thing that was, what I say, the most bizarre thing.'
DeRozan goes on to recall an incident between Rudy Gay and Kobe Bryant, where Bryant got hit in the face. When Gay went to ask him if he was okay, Bryant had a baffling response.
"What? Don't soak me moth**f***er."
These are the type of mind games that Bryant played to in a way psych himself out, like DeRozan said. It was this type of mentality and mind games that made Bryant one of the most unpredictable players to go up against.
Players who have faced DeRozan have also claimed that the influence of Kobe Bryant's game on his skillset is very visible. But since his retirement, no one in NBA history has been able to replicate the mentality that Kobe Bryant played with, which he arguably learned from Michael Jordan, one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Kobe Bryant's influence is still visible in the modern era of players who pay tribute to him in many ways. But can any of them replicate the killer mentality and attitude that he played with? Let us know what you think in the comments section.This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cincinnati Reds pitching depth tested as Nick Lodolo (finger blister) lands on IL
CHICAGO – The Cincinnati Reds won't push starter Nick Lodolo to try to pitch through a finger blister at the risk of making it worse with fewer than 50 games left in the season. Consequently, they'll push the limits of their pitching depth. Lodolo, who left his Aug. 4 start in the second inning because of a left index finger blister that developed suddenly on a breaking ball thrown to the Chicago Cubs' Justin Turner, landed on the 15-day injured list, as expected, Aug. 5. Reliever Yosver Zulueta was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to join the bullpen and take Lodolo's place on the roster. Nick Nick Martinez, who got seven outs in relief of Lodolo Aug. 4, likely will take the lefty Lodolo's spot in the rotation for his next turn, probably Aug. 9 in Pittsburgh. If there's a silver lining to the move for the Reds, it's that they might be better equipped to weather such a pitching storm than they were a week ago, after acquiring right-hander Zack Littell from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline. Little was scheduled to start against the Cubs Aug. 5. Lodolo, who has been the workhorse of the Reds' pitching staff this season, lands on the IL for the first time this season. He spent two weeks on the IL last season with a similar blister problem. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Nick Lodolo injury: Reds LHP on IL as pitching depth tested
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mystics trade Brittney Sykes to Storm for Alysha Gray, Zia Cooke and 2026 first-round pick
The Washington Mystics are trading guard Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm in exchange for Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke and a 2026 first-round pick, the Storm announced Tuesday afternoon. The Mystics subsequently waived Cooke following the trade, ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported. The trade comes as the Mystics are 13-15 this season, sitting ninth in the WNBA standings. Seattle is sixth in the league with a 16-13 record. The Mystics and Storm are fourth and third in their respective conferences. Washington is shipping Sykes off to the Pacific Northwest despite having decent numbers this season. The 31-year-old is averaging 15.4 points, 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game this season. She leads the team in points, assists and steals. This breaking news story will be updated.
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Commanders' Terry McLaurin Drawing Trade Interest from Iconic Franchise
Commanders' Terry McLaurin Drawing Trade Interest from Iconic Franchise originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders are navigating a tricky situation with star receiver Terry McLaurin after he formally requested a trade on Thursday amid his drawn-out contract negotiations. McLaurin is entering the final year of his three-year contract and is due to make $15.5 million in 2025. A six-year vet with Washington, McLaurin is seeking a raise that would pay him near top-of-market value. After yet another 1,000+ yard season (his fifth straight) and his first All-Pro selection, it's obvious that he deserves it. However, if the organization continues balking at a new high-priced contract, it's worth investigating some trade options from around the league. One rumor that has began circulating involves one of the league's most iconic franchises: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steelers writer Chris Halicke reports that Pittsburgh reached out to Washington inquiring about a trade involving McLaurin, although the full package was not disclosed. Halicke also learned some insight on how McLaurin feels about this potential career move. "In reaching out to the Commanders, the Steelers learned that McLaurin not only wants to be paid like a true No. 1 receiver, which is expected, he wants to be a true No. 1 receiver on whatever team he plays on in 2025 and beyond," Halicke said. In this case, the Steelers won't be much of a fit. Pittsburgh landed DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and immediately committed to his future as WR1 by handing him a four-year, $132 million contract. McLaurin is also said to be seeking a higher price than that - with $35 million APY being a target number. As a whole, the Steelers have been no stranger to blockbuster moves this offseason. After acquiring Metcalf and trading former No. 1 option pass-catcher George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, they finally landed future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to be the next starting quarterback. Defensively, the team also dealt safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey in a swap with the Miami Dolphins that included tight end Jonnu Smith. A move to land McLaurin would certainly be another shakeup to Mike Tomlin's squad, but initial rumblings here have likely died down after considering the logistics. Not only is McLaurin going to demand a raise wherever he goes, it appears he also wants to prominently be featured in the offense. The easiest solution to both of those wishes is for Washington to give him an extension, but as his training camp "hold in" continues, only time will tell how this relationship evolves moving forward. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
