“We’re coming to New York to play, and they’re talking about LeBron” : David Lee reveals what fueled Kobe Bryant to deliver historic 61 point game in MSG
Former New York Knicks player David Lee was recently invited to the ‘Garden Party’ podcast with Edie Falco, where they discussed many topics, including reminiscing about the 2000’s Knicks era, and the impact 9/11 had on the Madison Square Garden arena and the players.
Amongst all this, David Lee also opened up about the ‘Dream Week’, where the Knicks hosted Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, LeBron James’s Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, and the reigning NBA champions Boston Celtics on Friday in the iconic MSG arena.
But during this week, the NYC media caused a lot of hype around LeBron James coming to town, which sidelined the ‘Mamba’. As we already know, Kobe Bryant used to possess the biggest ego during his prime years, and this ‘insult’ obviously did not sit well with him.
“I may have been wrong. He might be able to do this by himself” : David Lee reveals hilarious interaction with coach Mike D’Antoni
Although the hype around LeBron James, a then well-established star who did not reach his fullest potential yet, was somewhat justified, David Lee recalls that Kobe Bryant took this matter personally.
“So, Kobe hears this, and he’s like, ‘Wait a second. You mean to tell me we’re coming to New York to play, and they’re talking about LeBron? That’s what everyone’s talking about right now? We’re the best team in the West right now,'” said Lee.
The American also addressed his hilarious talk with coach Mike D’Antoni about how difficult it will be to stop Bryant from wreaking havoc.
“So, I go back, Mike D’Antoni’s our coach. I said, ‘Mike, man. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but it’s not gonna be good.’ Mike’s a really fun-loving guy, and he goes, ‘Well s***, David, he can’t beat us by himself.’ So I go, ‘OK.’ So, he gets the jump ball and walks right in, and makes a three. Then he makes like another driving layup. He’s got like seven points in the first few minutes. Coach calls a timeout, he goes, ‘I may have been wrong. He might be able to do this by himself,” the 41-year-old recalled.
Sure enough, with just under four minutes left on the clock, the ‘Mamba’ went on to break the MSG scoring record previously set by Bernard King, boasting a total of 61 points.
The Lakers ended up winning the game by nine points, while also winning the 2009 NBA Finals that season, the first for Kobe Bryant without Shaquille O’Neal in the team.
