Home

NBA

Kobe Bryant Once Destroyed Metta-Sandiford Artest During Lakers vs Rockets: “You’re A Stand-Up Comedian Now!”

Published 01/25/2022, 12:42 AM EST

Follow Us

Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace, formerly known as Metta-Sandiford Artest, before they became teammates, were part of a hilarious trash-talk exchange. All the famous NBA players have always had a knack for trash-talking. This helps them get in their opponents head.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Their exchange took place at the free throw line. Kobe was set to take free throw shots when Metta World Peace started trash talking. Kobe gave no thought to the trash talk and hilariously asked him whether he was a comedian now.

The exchange between Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace

This famous exchange between the two players took place on March 11, 2009. Kobe Bryant had been fouled and was taking his position at the free throw line. It was a regular season game, and the Lakers enjoyed a 6 point lead over the Rockets.

It was at this moment that Metta World Peace chose to trash talk Kobe. With 28 seconds left on the clock, Metta states that Kobe is scared of him. Bryant chuckles and says “You a stand-up comedian now?”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

via Getty

It has always been speculated that this was an important instance which pushed Kobe to trade for Metta from the Rockets. This incident, coupled with Metta’s performance in the 2009 playoffs proved that he would be a valuable addition. The tenacity of Metta makes him a very good player to partner with Kobe.

WATCH THIS STORY: RARE: Young Shaquille O’Neal “Runs Wild” With WWE Legend Hulk Hogan in Iconic Photo

Was Kobe Bryant’s decision to trade for Metta World Peace fruitful? 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace created a formidable duo in the NBA. Lakers had already won the 2009 season championship, the addition of Metta helped them chase another ring. During the 2010 Playoff run, Metta and Kobe emerged to be the two most important players for the team.

via Getty

Kobe relied on Metta for a huge chunk of defence. The latter had a very pivotal role to play in the Lakers 2010 championship run. The two had a wonderful synergy and a good understanding of each other’s game.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The trade paid off handsomely. It is quite possible that the Lakers would not have been able to win the 2010 season if Metta was not there to lock down the floor defensively. Metta’s presence helped Kobe as he got to save his energy on the defensive end.

“League Is Over if We Get Him”: Miami Heat Fans Go Berserk as Team Rumored to Trade for Houston Rockets Star

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Abhinav Bhalla

131Articles

One take at a time

Abhinav Bhalla is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a 5th year law student and has had a passion for Basketball and NBA since his early childhood. He has competed at school, university and national levels himself, and has a deep analytical appreciation for the sport.
Show More>