Mike Krzyzewski Reveals His Favorite Kobe Bryant Story

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is one of the most competitive players of all time, and Duke head coach Mike Kryzewski has an interesting story to tell.

Kobe is an idol for many young players. NBA youngsters see a hero in him. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and many other players do their best to continue Kobe’s legacy. Kobe was a brilliant player and he was the best mentor someone could ever ask for.

Krzyzewski’s story is in no way related to Kobe’s contribution to the Los Angeles Lakers. The coach talked about Kobe and his time on Team USA. Krzyzewski coached the squad in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Kobe Bryant gave Mike Krzyzewski a nice story to tell

Krzyzewski went on JJ Redick’s The Old Man and the Three podcast to talk about many topics, including the Lakers legend.

“We’re getting ready to get ready for Bejing (the 2008 Summer Olympics), so I’m with my staff in Vegas a couple days before the team comes in, and all of a sudden, there’s a knock on the door. It’s two days early, and it’s Kobe,” he said. “He said, ‘I need to ask you a favor.’ … He said ‘I want to guard the best perimeter player on every team that we play.’”

Kobe promised to destroy his opponents, and Krzyzewski felt good about the game.

Well, the Black Mamba didn’t take a shot in the first practice with the team. He played defense.

“I call him over afterwards, and I said, ‘Yo, this destroy thing,’” Krzyzewski added. “He says, ‘Coach, I promised you, I’ll destroy them.’ I said, ‘Look, I’ve seen you destroy teams offensively. Will you shoot the freakin ball?’ … He said from then on I was the only coach ever to ask him to shoot.”

According to the Duke coach, Kobe “played chess and not checkers.” He was getting ready for Argentina in the semis and even the Gold Medal Game. Kobe was working on his defense because he was supposed to guard Manu Ginobili in that game.

What happened next? Team USA won gold. Kobe’s winning formula worked, and this is the kindest memory Krzyzewski has right now. He will always remember Kobe’s checkers game and his strategy for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

USA was 8-0 in 2008 and smashed Argentina 101-81 in the semifinals. Spain lost to Kobe and his team. It was a good 118-107 loss for Team USA.