Kobe explains why he didn’t get along with Dwight

Naveen Ganglani

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Kobe explains why he didn’t get along with Dwight
Kobe Bryant's tough-love approach does not match Dwight Howard's perception of what a winning team should be

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Bryant has been a constant figure in the public as of late. In the past few weeks, the Los Angeles Laker has made appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBA TV, and The Grantland Basketball Hour show as he sits the rest of the NBA season with a shoulder injury.

Bryant talked to Sam Amick of USA Today to do an in-depth interview. Among the topics they discussed was Kobe’s relationship with Dwight Howard, who was his teammate in the 2012-2013 NBA season.

Their partnership was rocky, and many knew about it. Having contrasting personalities and how they did things, Bryant and Howard often collided and it led to the latter leaving the Lakers for the Houston Rockets after just one year with the team.

Bryant confirmed as much during the interview.

“I tried teaching Dwight. I tried showing him. But the reality is that when you have a perception of what it is to win a championship – and most perceptions of what it’s like to win are a very outgoing, very gregarious locker room where you pick each other up and you’re friends all the time,” said Bryant.

“That’s the perception. And I think that’s what his perception was of what the idea is. But when he saw the reality of it, it made him uncomfortable. And it’s very tough to be able to fight through that, to deal with that challenge. And I don’t think he was willing to deal with that uncomfortable and combative nature.”

Howard’s always been a happy-go-lucky guy who often clowns around and can show episodes of immaturity. Bryant takes more of an old-school, tough-love approach and can be a thorn to his teammates because of his headstrong approach.

Their one season together ended in disappointment as the Lakers were bounced out in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. Kobe’s season ended prematurely in a regular season game against the Golden State Warriors when he tore his achilles.

Bryant has one year left in his contract with Los Angeles. And even if his Lakers are one of the worst teams in the NBA right now, he says he is positive that they can bounce back. – Rappler.com

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