The memories of the NBA over a decade ago were quite different from what fans are used to today. Back then, LeBron James was rolling over teams with the Miami Heat, Shaquille O’Neal retired from the league after 19 seasons, and Kobe Bryant won consecutive NBA titles with the Lakers just a few seasons prior. It was the beginning of a new era in basketball. However, for certain stars of the NBA, it was a battle for survival in the league. In a recent interview, a former NBA star recalled a similar story of that time while mentioning how Kobe Bryant came to his rescue. 

The Black Mamba worked his magic throughout the league in ways one cannot understand. Hence, a former NBA star’s survival in the league, courtesy of Kobe Bryant, was a surprise for some. 

Kobe Bryant changing the life of an NBA star

Back in 2011, Kobe Bryant was very fresh to winning his fifth NBA ring just a year ago. Hence, when Bryant failed to win another three-peat in the 21st century, he was looking for new recruits or rather old acquaintances.

Matt Barnes, the 2017 NBA Champion, recently revealed the story of how he managed to survive in the league after becoming a free agent in 2010. In a recent interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Matt Barnes decided to recall one of the most important moments of his career which involved The Black Mamba.

“…They[Lakers] end up winning a Championship that year[2010], and we lose to the Celtics in the Eastern finals and I am a free agent. And I get a phone call from him[Kobe],” said Barnes. He added, “… He started telling what I’m gonna do, and tell me ‘If anyone is crazy enough to F with me, they’re crazy enough to play with me. Do you wanna be a Laker?’ I’m like hell yeah…Cold called[me], I didn’t even have his number saved.”

Barnes was a fearless character and was forever indebted to Bryant’s heartwarming gesture. However, Barnes knew that the Mamba respected people who respected themselves. Hence, the 2017 NBA Champion didn’t show any fear in front of Lakers no. 24, even when the latter gave him ‘The Mamba Stare’.

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So much so that he became a part of the iconic Kobe Bryant clip, where he tried to make the Black Mamba flinch, to no avail. It was probably the moment that Bryant kept close to his heart, only to lend out a helping hand for the man who was “crazy enough to F” with him.

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Did you know about this story? Do you remember Barnes’ flinching incident? Let us know in the comments below.