The name of Kobe Bryant resonates with countless tales of his fierce competitiveness and unrivaled skills on the basketball court. However, there exists a lesser-known side to the Black Mamba, a side marked by generosity that few witnessed.
Chandler Parsons, the former NBA player, was one such fortunate individual who experienced this side of Bryant during his rookie year with the Houston Rockets. Despite being an adversary on the court in a matchup, Bryant surprised Parsons with an unforgettable gesture.
The Rockets star found himself facing the formidable Kobe Bryant during the 2011-12 NBA season. Houston clashed with the Lakers at the iconic Staples Center. The rookie was forewarned that Bryant would come at him aggressively as soon as the game started. But fate had a different plan in store as revealed by Parsons himself on an episode of “All The Smoke“.
As the final quarter of the game unfolded, Bryant, instead of delivering a relentless onslaught, turned to Parsons and casually inquired about his plans for the evening. The young Rockets rookie, overwhelmed by the moment, was momentarily left speechless.
Kobe is truly the 🐐 for this 😂@ChandlerParsons ep of #AllTheSmoke drops on Thursday 💨 pic.twitter.com/7eECV1RhPF
— SHOWTIME Basketball (@shobasketball) February 28, 2022
It was not long after the game ended that Parsons received a text message from an unfamiliar number. To his astonishment, the message read, “You’re all set at Supper Club”, and was signed with the name “Mamba”.
Curiosity got the better of him, and Parsons couldn’t resist asking if the Lakers star would be present at the club. Kobe, in his characteristic style, replied that he wouldn’t make it but wanted Parsons to enjoy the night with his teammates and coaches.
Chandler Parsons revealed a lesser-known side of Kobe Bryant
Parsons, brimming with excitement, shared the news with his teammates at dinner, exclaiming, “Guys, I got you. Kobe’s my guy. He set it up. Let’s go!” Little did he know that this night would leave an indelible mark on his memory.
The Rookie reveling in the vibrant atmosphere of the Supper Club, was approached by a waitress who handed him a bill totaling a staggering $22,000. Panic and disbelief washed over him, realizing he couldn’t possibly cover such an astronomical sum. In his moment of distress, the waitress calmly handed him a pen and directed him to “sign for Mr. Bryant”.
Despite being a fierce competitor on the court, Bryant had chosen to treat a rookie Parsons with incredible kindness. Black Mamba gave him an unforgettable night out in Los Angeles and left him with a remarkable story that would forever vow to Kobe’s greatness.
Parsons’ experience sheds light on the multifaceted nature of Bryant. He was known for his unyielding determination, competitive spirit, and unique tactics on the basketball court. However, off the court, he displayed a side marked by generosity, and a willingness to welcome newcomers to the league with open arms.