“I look at Kobe and I go that man is somebody I just respect because his work ethic.” Comedian & Actor Marlon Wayans spoke about Kobe Bryant and praised his Mamba Mentality. Because of the same mentality, Wayans had to dial down jokes a couple of notches during one of the games. Which he revealed to Kobe’s most successful running mate, Shaquille O’Neal.

The comedian said that he was at a Lakers game when Kobe pulled him to the side. Wayans was cracking jokes at Pau Gasol’s expense, which the 5x NBA champion did not like. “I said he looked like a ostrich that got pushed into a oil spill.” Eventually, the 2x Finals MVP turned and replied, “Yo chill.” The comedian continued, “He said ‘yo man that may be my next ring’ and I was like all right, all right cool, cool cool just for you champ just for you.”

The guest on Shaq’s podcast also claimed that Kobe was laughing via The Big Podcast.”But Kobe was laughing.” Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant formed an organic bond, and it started when the latter asked if he could count on the Spaniard. But who could forget the Olympic game, where Kobe pushed his Lakers teammate, who was playing for Spain, right to the ground.

Ultimately, the duo would go on to win back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. So Kobe did predict winning with Gasol and it came to fruition. The bond even became stronger after Kobe’s retirement in 2016 and is still continuing. His daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, who refer to Gasol as “Uncle Pau.” Just like Gasol, many do miss the legendary Kobe Bryant and one of them has been Marlon Wayans.

Marlon Wayans honored Kobe Bryant

Talking about Gasol and Kobe Bryant on Shaq’s podcast, well, it was not the first time it was shared. In a Facebook post back in 2020, a similar incident Wayans had shared, honoring the Lakers legend after his untimely death. Sharing the photo of him laughing alongside Kobe and quoting the joke about Pau Gasol.

Plus, he also shared another conversation, where he met Kobe Bryant at a club. The comedian pointed out to the 5x NBA champion, “can’t find greatness in a club.” Then received a very Kobe-like response, “I know, that’s why I’m leaving.” Wayans ended his post with a heavy feeling. “And he left. Never saw him party much but damn he found that greatness.“

The comedian is known for finding joy from grief. And the story he shared about Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol was nothing short of that. Thus giving us a unique point of view from Mamba’s life.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”