There have been some loopy tales about Kobe Bryant, and Charlotte Hornets star Gordon Hayward just lately added one other one. Hayward had the possibility to have a exercise with the late celebrity and it helped him turn out to be a star. He shared the story within the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George.

Hayward is likely one of the finest beginning small forwards right now. However he labored extraordinarily laborious on his sport to be at par with a number of the finest gamers within the league. Based on him, the mentorship he obtained from Bryant took him to the subsequent degree.

The Hornets ahead shared that he as soon as met up with Bryant for a exercise. The LA Lakers legend gave him an tackle and requested him to succeed in the venue at 7:00 AM.

“I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I know that Kobe’s crazy,” Hayward mentioned. “And I was thinking he could have me running around this gym, I gotta be well fueled.”

The previous Butler standout was on time and waited for the icon for half-hour. He informed George that he despatched a message to Bryant simply to substantiate that he was on the proper tackle. 5 minutes later, the Lakers star arrived and began his exercise with Hayward.

Bryant arrange one other exercise session with the one-time All-Star. This time, a bit earlier.

“So the next day, we showed up at the spot 5:45, Kobe was there before us. Opened up the door, like we go in there, did another workout. He stayed after for 30 minutes. We watched film and it was like that the next two days.”

“I think the whole thing was him just testing me, like ‘Who is this? Does he wanna work? Is he gonna be bulls*******? What’s his deal? Cause I’m not going to put in the effort if he’s not going to.’ He taught me, more than anything, just the mentality,” Hayward added.

Nobody can evaluate to the work ethic and mentorship of the five-time champion. Fortunately for Hayward, he got here ready.

Additionally learn: “Couldn’t compete against bro in his shoes LOL”: 2x NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas nostalgically recalls Kobe Bryant’s final game in Boston

Gordon Hayward had the possibility to play in opposition to Kobe Bryant in latter’s remaining sport

Nobody can neglect the legendary finale of Kobe Bryant’s profession. His remaining sport got here in opposition to the Utah Jazz the place he scored 60 factors to finish his illustrious profession with a win.

Hayward was a part of the Jazz on the time. He did not again right down to the problem and gave it his all. He was the first defender for many of the sport and held Bryant to solely 28% taking pictures from past the arc.