In a revealing episode of the “7 PM in Brooklyn” podcast co-hosted by Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, Anthony delved into the unique experience of playing against the legendary Kobe Bryant, particularly on Christmas Day games. The insight provided by Anthony sheds light on Bryant’s relentless commitment to the game and his expectations for star players during marquee matchups.
“Kobe, you know what you was getting yourself into. It’s Christmas. Everybody is watching. … I am shooting this bi*** a thousand times.”
“It was more like you know what they came here to see. If I was, like, fu***** around, F*** you doing? Tighten up. You know what we here for. ‘F*** is you passing the ball for?’”
Melo says Kobe always wanted to give fans a show in their Christmas matchups
“F**k is you doing? Come on tighten up. You know what we here for. F**k is you passing the ball for?”
(🎥 @7PMinBrooklyn )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 26, 2023
Anthony shared that Kobe Bryant approached Christmas Day games with a distinct mindset, urging star players not to treat them as ordinary regular-season games. Instead, Bryant encouraged his peers to seize the opportunity to showcase their skills and put on a show for the league on this special occasion. Anthony recalled the intensity with which Bryant approached the Christmas Day games, emphasizing the need for star players to deliver memorable performances.
Anthony recounted an instance where Bryant directly addressed his approach on the court during a Christmas Day game. According to Anthony, Bryant, known for his Mamba mentality, challenged him if he felt he was not giving his best effort. In a blunt manner, Bryant questioned Anthony’s decision to pass the ball too much, urging him to tighten up and recognize the significance of the moment.
The Christmas Day game mentioned by Anthony took place during the 2012-13 season when Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers faced off against Anthony’s New York Knicks. In that memorable clash, both Bryant and Anthony put on stellar performances, each scoring 34 points. The Lakers emerged victorious with a 100-94 win over the Knicks, showcasing the competitive spirit and intensity associated with Christmas Day matchups in the NBA.
Carmelo Anthony On Why The Lakers Superteam Failed
Carmelo Anthony, a retired NBA legend and former member of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently shed light on the challenges faced by the Lakers’ failed superteam during the 2021-22 season. Speaking on his podcast, “7 PM in Brooklyn,” Anthony discussed the team’s chemistry, both on and off the court, and the difficulties they encountered in translating camaraderie into on-court success.
Acknowledging the Lakers’ strong chemistry off the court, Anthony highlighted the team’s struggles when playing together. Despite their collective efforts, they couldn’t pinpoint the exact issues affecting their performance. The retired NBA star expressed the frustration of not being able to identify the fix, questioning whether it was the situation, the system, or another factor impeding their success.
Throughout the season, the Lakers, despite being considered a superteam with star players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Dwight Howard, faced difficulties aligning their off-court unity with on-court success. Anthony’s reflections underscored the complex dynamics that superteams navigate, emphasizing the need for flawless execution in both aspects.
Additionally, the 2021-22 Lakers faced two primary challenges that contributed to their disappointing season. First, injuries plagued key players, notably LeBron James and Anthony Davis, disrupting the team’s rhythm and consistency. The absence of core players hindered the development of on-court chemistry and impacted the team’s overall performance.
Second, the issue of roster fit became apparent, with concerns about the age and durability of several veteran players. The combination of experienced but aging players raised questions about their ability to sustain energy levels over the demanding NBA season. Notably, the pairing of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook posed challenges due to their ball-dominant playing styles, hindering the team’s synergy.
In the end, the dual challenges of injuries and roster fit contributed to the Lakers falling short of expectations and missing the playoffs. Carmelo Anthony’s insights provide a glimpse into the complexities faced by high-profile superteams and the delicate balance required for success in both on-court performance and off-court chemistry.
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