National Basketball Association

Lakers coach Luke Walton shares an amazing Kobe Bryant story

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:56 p.m. ET

Nick Schwartz

New Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton spent eight full seasons playing alongside Kobe Bryant, and Walton recently revealed that Bryant had a very special way of calling Walton out in practice in his rookie year.

Walton said on the Open Run podcast that he once came to a Lakers practice after a night of drinking smelling like alcohol. As punishment, Walton had to guard Bryant for the entirety of the practice.

Via Silver Screen and Roll:

“I probably had too much to drink the night before. So I came in, I was a rookie, I felt good, and they could smell some alcohol on me, and Kobe informed the rest of the team that nobody was allowed to help me on defense, and that I had to guard him the entire practice.”

As you can imagine, Walton didn't fare so well going up against one of the greatest scorers of all time.

“He probably scored 70-something in practice that day, and I’m begging for help, but none of my teammates would help.”

You can listen to the full podcast here.