Nick Young reveals who Kobe Bryant made cry during 'charmin' practice rant
12/13/2024 01:35 PM
In December 2014, Kobe Bryant delivered one of the most intense practice rants in NBA history, targeting his Los Angeles Lakers teammates after a dismal 6-16 start to the season. Bryant's frustration boiled over as he called the team "soft like Charmin," and his venom seemed primarily directed at point guard Jeremy Lin, per FadeawayWorld. According to Nick Young, who recently recounted the infamous day on Gil's Arena, the pressure from Kobe's tirade pushed Lin to tears in the locker room.
Nick Young says Jeremy Lin cried after Kobe's "Soft Like Charmin" rant
pic.twitter.com/nxYMfU4o7Z— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) December 12, 2024
"People don't know Jeremy Lin actually cried in the locker room that day," Young revealed. "He was emotional." Despite Lin's efforts to approach Bryant for a conversation, Kobe's single-minded focus on winning left little room for camaraderie. Young encouraged Lin to stand up for himself, saying, "I told him, 'I don't care if it's Kobe. You're on the court with him, so act like it.'"
Bryant's practice intensity was legendary, but this particular session showcased just how relentless he could be. Lin, who had been averaging solid numbers that season, saw his recent struggles magnified under Kobe's microscope. As the scrimmage unfolded, Bryant didn't hold back, calling out Lin's errors and even mocking him after turnovers.
Bryant’s Leadership and Young's Resolve
While Lin appeared shaken by Bryant's fiery leadership, Nick Young emerged unfazed. Known for his confidence and swagger, Young stood firm in his interactions with Kobe, even asserting that it was "his team" during that difficult stretch. Young later reflected on the moment, explaining that he understood how to handle an alpha like Bryant, saying, "Kobe only had one leg at the time. He couldn't do nothing with me."
Gilbert Arenas, a former teammate of Young, praised his fearless attitude. "That's what Kobe wanted to see," Arenas shared, emphasizing that Bryant respected players who showed a competitive fire. Young's self-assurance paid off in their next game against the Spurs, where he nailed a clutch game-winning three-pointer, cementing his reputation as a player who thrived under pressure.
This infamous practice revealed Kobe Bryant's unrelenting demand for excellence while exposing the varied ways teammates responded to his leadership. For Lin, it was a moment of vulnerability; for Young, it became a badge of honor.
The post Nick Young reveals who Kobe Bryant made cry during ‘charmin’ practice rant appeared first on ClutchPoints.
