There are very few people who can take credit for molding Kobe Bryant into an NBA champion. One of them was a coach, friend, and occasional rival. In fact, he recalled he was so jealous of Bryant’s talent, he didn’t want to help him out. Thank goodness he changed his mind because that would turn into a lifelong friendship with the Bryant family. Now the late NBA champion’s closest friend is recalling how their relationship came to be.

This basketball coach is God Shammgod, a former NBA pro for a while. He appeared on the Knuckleheads podcast to share his story about teaching Kobe Bryant.

God Shammgod stunned by Kobe Bryant

Shammgod Wells, aka God Shammgod is part of the coaching staff for the Dallas Mavericks now. In the past, he played in the NBA from 1997 to 1999 and later in international leagues. Though his NBA career was brief, he is widely regarded for his dribbling talent. His name is the giveaway of that. After all, how many pros can boast a crossover dribble was named after them?

He started his career at the same time as Kobe Bryant. While the rookie Black Mamba was pretty established as a ball-hog, his dribbling skills left a little to be desired. They’d meet in New York before they were in the NBA, and Shammgod recalled how that encounter went on The Knuckleheads.

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At that time, Bryant’s dad was a basketball coach at La Salle Academy in New York where Shammgod was a student. From the get-go, the young Wells’ noticed Kobe. “Kob was in our team, and he was walking Jordan.” Wells thought he’d outshine Bryant but, “this man is taking all the shots. I’m like, ‘hold up, hold up, you got to relax. This is my show.'” 

The young Wells’ skills stood out to Bryant’s dad too who made him an offer. “His pops was like, ‘you know that only thing my son really can’t do is dribble. Can you show him some stuff?” 

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He will say on the podcast, “That right there grew into 25 years of friendship.” But back then, not happy to be upstaged by a teammate, Shammgod refused. “I ain’t showing that dude nothing,” he claimed only to agree later – albeit not without a little prank.

Bryant credited Shammgod for his help

In 2024, Kobe Bryant will be immortalized at the Crypto.com Arena with his own statue. That celebrates his legacy to the Los Angeles Lakers organization. And God Shammgod shares credit in helping him reach that level.

When he initially agreed to coach Bryant, he called his friend at 5 in the morning only to arrive an hour late. However, he was left stunned by Bryant already into his practice. “I get in there, he’s in full-blown sweat already.” They practice together, Wells gives him some dribbling tips, and they become lifelong friends.

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They’re so close, Wells even coached Bryant’s daughters, including Gianna. Bryant was known to be selective of his inner circle. He not only entrusted his friend to coach his daughters, but he also went on record to say, “Shammgod taught me how to dribble.” At this point, we can’t picture a world where these friends’ paths didn’t converge.